It’s funny – I’m learning to try to relax – don’t panic – and to have faith – in myself and in others. I think sometimes we start feeling as if we may be wanting too much – or wanting the impossible – or maybe that we are just way off track (according to “Others” or “Them”.) Maybe we have been programmed to more easily believe in the worst happening rather than the best happening. And whether you believe in the American Ideal of rugged individualism or the connectedness of everyone – you must realize that both instances require input from You.
YOU are the one who can make or break/brake your own goals and dreams. Breaking or braking your dreams cannot happen without you allowing it.
I have to admit … I think I live in a fairy tale or my own dream life most of the time. I remember Anthony Robbins once remarking about how surprised he was when he got out and about around other folks that he normally worked and socialized with – about how negative “Others” could be. He realized that he worked hard to have positive people around him. Well, he seems to be doing pretty well with that, wouldn’t you say? I, too, am rather taken aback when folks realize that I am continuing on with my schooling to obtain another master’s degree and the response is, “Why?!” At first, I was so surprised and caught off guard that I fumbled and felt myself shrinking as I tried to give a satisfactory answer.
But then I thought about it and felt that old burr under my saddle pad.
“WHY NOT?!” Is what I say now when I sense “issues” emanating from a questioning party.
I look at CJ from the CJ Foundation and see him making great strides in his own journey, while attending a regular public high school, in the Advanced Classes, even though he battles “Asperger’s Syndrome”. I look at my little Mack and puff with pride when people comment about how marvelous he behaves during loud chaotic events (even though I wasn’t sure he would pass his Canine Good Citizen’s test!) Look at so many people in our everyday who have so many tough challenges but who go on to do great things.
Standing in line at my favorite bookstore (Barnes & Noble), my eyes caught a book titled “Thinking in Pictures – My Life with Autism.” Of course, I grabbed the book for my own education because of my position with the CJ Foundation for Children in Need. Then I realized who the author was – Temple Grandin – who I knew from her wonderful animal books such as ”Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals.” I had no idea she suffered from autism. But then, doing more research for a paper on autism, I ran into this tidbit.
“Dr. Grandin is a designer of livestock handling facilities (used world-wide for more humane animal handing) and a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. “ (Note her title – Dr. Grandin)
Well, I was amazed and delighted!
Here is just another fabulous example of someone overcoming her challenges to pursue her dreams.
So next time you or anyone else asks you why you are doing what you are doing to follow your own dreams – or questions you for following your own dreams at all….
You know what to tell them! “WHY NOT!”
See you on down the trail!
Janus
