Henry David Thoreau once said, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.” It can be difficult to believe these words, especially when we are facing such challenging times on our planet. With this horrible virus going around, it can be very easy to let our minds sink into very dark places. And yet, despite these challenging times, I believe something beautiful can come from it.

We can plant seeds that will allow some of our hidden talents and interests to bloom. That’s why I am challenging you to make time to care for yourselves. Do the things you have always wanted to do. I know some of you may be homeschooling your children. Some of you may be worried about how you will pay the bills next month. You might even be concerned about a family member or a friend who is sick. Sometimes we need to take our minds off of some of these struggles and focus a little on ourselves. Focusing on self will help ease some of the burdens we have been carrying during these stressful times.  

Take a few precious moments to think about and pursue the things you love. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and make them a reality. Share these ideas or hidden talents with a friend or family member. You might want to try something new on your own. Do it even if you are the only one who will enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Begin by asking yourself the following questions:

• What is something you have always wanted to learn to do that you never really had the time?
• What is something you know how to do but want to spend more time doing it?
• Did you ever want to learn how to cook, dance, sing, knit, or write a book? What held you back from doing this before? Was it a lack of time?

Many of us have been given the precious gift of time. NOW, you can pursue some of these passions and interests that you have always wanted to learn.

Recently, I decided to focus on my health. I began eating better and looking up YouTube workout videos. I have tried making new recipes and have made time to read a few books. You might be asking yourselves, “How is this new or a change in your life?” Before this pandemic, I didn’t focus so much on my health. My back was always hurting. I didn’t always eat food that was good for me, and at times I felt sluggish. I decided to focus on myself and begin working out and eating healthier. Although this is not always easy, especially when you are at home all day, I make an effort to be mindful of my time and the foods I eat. I also enjoy the quiet moments where I can sit and read one of the many books I promised myself I would always get to eventually.

Every journey begins with a single step. What small steps can you take to start your journey? Take time to write down the things you always wanted to learn and do. Ask yourself if you can accomplish some of these things from the comfort of your own home. Share one of those ideas with a friend, a colleague, or a family member.

Sometimes, small goals turn into big dreams. Almost ten years ago, I began writing a book for teenagers titled Follow Your Heart: A Guidebook for Teens. I just finished the final edits. Next, I will tackle the page and cover design. I can’t wait to hold the book in my hands, and I can’t wait for all of you to be able to read my book as well. This dream began with one little step and is now starting to bloom. Whatever your goals and dreams may be, NOW is the time to start working on them. Take the first step in achieving one of those dreams today.

Question: Now that I’ve told you how I’ve been filling my time, what is one thing that you’d like to do or learn?

May 5, 2020