Hi Brett.
My head hurts! :-) I’m glad you commented — was a little worried when the first few words I saw were, “Friar sent me…” but I’m better now. I understand exactly what you are saying. This IS very personal and unique to each one of us. You could say that there are many different shades of grey — different strides, different steps, etc. Dreaming big expands our horizons and makes our lives bigger — more room to play.

What you say here bears repeating, “One can be happy where one is, and still strive for much, much more. That does not mean you are wasting your life right now.” Amen! Thanks Brett.

The answer to this challenge is very personal, different for everyone, and therefore what is right for me, is not right for you.

My own personal thoughts? If I’m going to dream, I dream big. I don’t believe that these things have to be black or white.

I’m an engineer, and a problem solver. I live for the grey.

One can be happy where one is, and still strive for much, much more. That does not mean you are wasting your life right now.

Usually when someone famous says words like the ones Friar’s Mom quoted (and they are good words to be considered, for sure), they have “already made it” – know what I mean?

Much like the people who say “money isn’t everything” or “be thankful for what you have” – well I agree, but isn’t it interesting that the people who say that *have* all the money they need, and are quite comfortable. And yet, on the other hand, all the money in the world is useless if you are sick or you lose a loved one – so I understand that.

It is a grey zone.

Rest assured, I am happy where I am, yet can we not strive to be better in some way? I think it ties in to what Friar’s Mom said about not taking the future for granted, and so this is where I would say that the “be in the present and don’t dream” mentality doesn’t make sense to me.

You can have two sets of dreams, maybe? A realistic set, that really isn’t a crazy dream, but a realistic path forward, and a crazy set like ruling the world.

Probably a few of the people reading this have run a marathon or a half marathon, and to other folks, that would be considered a crazy dream.

So I say, live for today, plan for the future in a realistic way, yet, dream big. If people before us had not decided to dream big, there would have been no moon landings. There would be no heart transplants. Automobiles. Airplanes. Sailing ships. Pyramids.

All foolish notions for people who refuse to dream big.

Brett Legree’s last blog post..full circle.

Hi Ribbon.
Welcome! Life would be pretty boring without imagination. After all, where would blogging be without it? Your husband sounds like the one I described in my vision. Lucky you!

Mostly I’m happy with that.

Thanks for the reminder to dream big.

best wishes Ribbon

PS hope your dreams come true………. I have the partner who cooks and is a triathlete :-)

Ribbon’s last blog post..Invitation…

Giovanna Garcia’s last blog post..Believe in yourself.

Thank you for adding this to your list of resources for the Authentic Happiness series. I was reading about it — it sounds terrific. We are very in sync aren’t we? Great minds…

Hi Evita.
Wow, you are getting ready to take off. I can feel that from reading your words. You are building up to something big. Imagine the possibilities… oh wait, you have! :-)

That was so beautiful. I enjoyed every word of your “ideal” setting and I hope you always hold that dear and real in your heart because I believe that it is the passion, focus and want that drives our dreams to becoming our reality.

As for me, I have to say that I am moving in the direction of that “ideal” setting. I am loosening the ties of a job that ties me to a place and time and leaving it behind to first and foremost be free, free to be, do, live, think or say anything and anywhere I want. And most importantly free to pursue all of my passions with no holds barred. And that for me is feeling complete.

Stacey / Create a Balance’s last blog post..Authentic Happiness Series – Part Two

Hi Jannie.
I’m downloading your video right now. Catch you over at janniefunster.com :-)

Hi Juliet.
Doesn’t it feel great? I’m glad you are enjoying this. I’d love to hear your story if/when you write one.

Hi Cath.
I’m quite happy to do the meditation with you over the phone if you’d rather do it that way. But just so you know… you can’t get it wrong :-) Just jump in and see where it takes you. Lol, I’m glad to have supported your smoking cessation with less blogging.