Living The Dream, Funding The Trip

I used to think that Living the Dream was my goal, that when all of the pieces fell into place, I would be there. I would be doing work that I love, and my people and I would be healthy and happy. I would have the resources to learn, grow, play, and be a force for healing and empowerment in the world.

It was as if I’d heard of a sacred and magical land out in the middle of nowhere that, if I could get there, would be absolutely perfect for me. Perhaps the perfection would be that all of my favorite foods grew with ease, or that my body would magically sync with the rise and fall of the sun. Maybe the surf would rage and rest depending on my mood. I believed that the place would support me, and that my me-ness would be useful there.

Living the Dream would mean I’d arrived, and even though I expected to encounter storms and other wild obstacles–romantically crafting the intensity my stubborn soul secretly desires–it would always be exactly what I needed to live my very best life. It meant finding my paradise, the place where everything was exactly true for me and my dreams could be my reality.

I spent many, many moons searching for that place–exploring, studying, and even talking to people who seemed like they were living their dream to find out how they got there. Finding paradise became my obsession. As I searched for mine, I grew and changed. Every quest revealed a new piece of self and integrating it into myself guided me from one place to the next, each one was more true for me than the last. Life progressed, becoming clearer and in many ways easier along the way. I felt more happy and more healthy with each move.

One day, I discovered what I believed to be my paradise way off in the distance. I didn’t know how to get there but I was certain that once I did, I would be Living the Dream.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kirsten B.

11:46PM PDT on Sep 9, 2012

Lovely and inspiring piece, with the last paragraph putting it all into a nutshell. Thanks Christy - and I hope you're settling into your new job well.

September 9
send a green star

Lyn S.

8:30PM PDT on Sep 5, 2012

I always enjoy reading your psts Christy. It feels strange that some of your experiences mirror my own, but gives hope that persistence pays and that, at the end of it all, the journey really is worth it. Good luck

September 5
send a green star

Sheleen A.

11:16AM PDT on Sep 1, 2012

Thanks, its encouraging to see there are other people having the same problems even though you don't wish your trials and tribulations on other people.

September 1
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Vicky P.

3:01PM PDT on Aug 30, 2012

thanks

August 30
send a green star

Marianne B.

4:57PM PDT on Aug 29, 2012

Good article, I hope your dreams come true.

August 29
send a green star

Hanna S.

12:32PM PDT on Aug 29, 2012

Thank you.

Past Member .

9:43AM PDT on Aug 29, 2012

Abbe A.

9:00AM PDT on Aug 29, 2012

It's an inside job.

Alison S.

7:50AM PDT on Aug 29, 2012

I often think of the quote, It's about the journey - not the destination, but it's difficult at times. Especially when where to journey to isn't clear. Good job for keeping the faith and continually moving forward.

Lucie G.

7:43AM PDT on Aug 29, 2012