Hitch Your Wagon To A Star…that’s what Ralph Waldo Emerson encouraged us to do. In his 1860 essay, Civilization, he urged us to aim high and dream. Aspire…

It’s a theme that runs through my thoughts regularly…and I love hearing stories about people who seek out their own calling. The familiar phrase is: “I’ve always dreamed of…”

-starting a business

-being in a loving relationship

-having a family

-traveling 

-writing a book

-learning to drive

-being single 

-going to a festival 

-riding a bike

-learning to sew, knit, quilt 

-running a marathon 

-owning a home 

-visiting the National Parks

-having friends

-ziplining

-seeing a favorite show, concert, performer

-making jewelry 

-having a pet

-living in a city or in the country 

-creating a work of art

-moving to a new state

-going to school 

-learning to swim 

-skydiving, surfing, scuba diving 

-living abroad

-changing jobs, careers

-playing an instrument

-composing a song

-learning a language 

So many people, so many examples…so many more possibilities…that’s what makes our world so fascinating…the diversity of dreams.

But that’s not all…the other part of Emerson’s essay speaks to how we impact our society, ie Civilization, when we pursue our dreams and become the best versions of ourselves. A spill over effect…our highest self then impacts the greater good…so, we serve not only ourselves but also others. Think about what we can offer the world when we, ourselves, are filled full of wonder and possibility. 

If you could fill in the blank after “I’ve always dreamed of…” how would you finish the sentence? What would fulfill you?

PS For more art journaling reflections, my book Diary of a Curly Top, Everyday Reflections Through Art is available on Amazon at  

https://a.co/d/51OjEws