I was taken in by this piece on CNN from Josh Levs about our first dreams. Josh is a journalist and speaks about committing to your big dreams. For example, he says, “Everyone should chase big dreams. It brings a deep sense of satisfaction. And it makes the world better. We have advanced societies, stronger buildings to withstand storms, medical discoveries, technology, entertainment and so much more because dreamers pursued their visions and worked hard to make them happen.”
But in one moment, Josh’s career dreams and other “big” dreams fell away, and he instantly recalled his earliest and clearest dream.
The moment was three months before his second son was to be born, when his wife fell to the floor and began having an emergency delivery at home. The baby was emerging with the umbilical cord wrapped five times about his neck. The baby was still with his eyes closed. Josh was guiding the delivery and receiving instruction from the 911 operator, and was able to unwrap the cord and allow his son to breathe.
“In the moment my son was being born, all my professional dreams ceased to exist. In that room, it was just the four of us — my wife, our then 3-year-old son, the baby, and me. Family and fatherhood were all I saw. Life was shining a spotlight on my original dream. The first dreams we ever had were to be held. And loved. And to explore this amazing world with love in our lives.”
In his TED talk about the vent, Josh explains that he instantly had laser focus on his priorities: family, love and love connections.
How often do we reflect on our original desire to be loved—to feel that love connection with others? Are we so busy chasing other dreams that we forget it? Dream-chasing can be addictive, says Josh. “Some people become so obsessed with making one idea happen that they stop focusing on what’s most important in their lives. They stop spending time with their families and friends. As with any addiction, they pay a price.”
He suggests you not forget your big dreams or neglect to follow them. “But along the way, keep in mind that the best, most amazing, most rewarding and, ultimately, most fulfilling dream is the first one we all ever felt.”
Do you agree that deep down this dream or desire to be held and to feel love was your first dream? Are you focused on your dreams? If so, your “big” life dreams, or the dreams you were born with?
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