I woke up trembling. There were no monsters, chain-saw wielding masked men or bottomless pits, but my nightmare shot me out of bed and into the kitchen.
In the dream I had accomplished something I have yet to do in real life. I had crafted the perfect manuscript. Perfect characters. Perfect dialogue. Perfect plot structure. My work was immediately the subject of a bidding war among the major publishers. I was 80 years old, in failing health, and shortly after I inked a seven-figure deal, I died.
My death was not a violent one. People were not shocked by the passing of an 80-year-old woman, a point reiterated many times at the funeral. I am grateful that I woke up before I faced my own corpse.
In the kitchen I drank a glass of milk and tried to determine why this dream rocked me so hard. I peeked in on my daughter who was sound asleep. Then I paced. I peeked again. Then I paced. She could really do anything she wants to, I thought, she has her whole life ahead of her.
But isn’t that true of me too?
I might not be a toddler, but today is still the first day of the rest of my life. I don’t want to waste more time chasing perfection, while the people who are willing to risk it and put themselves out there win all the spoils.
For me, the dream is writing.
As a child I had an appreciation and respect for the written word. Stories. Poems. Stage plays. Yearbook. School newspaper. It was all my playground. But I lost focus along the way. There were too many people with the “writer’s dream.” There was simply no room for me.
Is that really the example I want to set for my child?
The only thing that has been holding me back from my dream is Me. And Me is getting her act together. That’s why I’m studying my craft, writing like a mad woman and trying. Sometimes you just have to try.
Can a mother still dream? My answer: a mother has to dream. And then she has to wake up, jump out of bed and go kick some butt.
As part of my butt-kicking action plan, I am entering a contest sponsored by the Freelance Writers Den. Prizes include a one-year subscription to Freelance Writers Den, mentoring opportunities and online courses. These valuable resources will help me further develop my skills as a freelancer and allow me to access a thriving community of professionals.
You can help me with the contest by giving this post some social luvin’ (Twitter, Facebook, Stumble, etc.).
Who knows? You might see my name on the cover of your favorite book or in your favorite magazine someday…someday soon.
What is your dream? What’s holding you back? What tips can you give to all the moms out there for reaching their goals?
You had me going! You are a very good writer, and I feel you deserve to win this prize! Don’t ever stop dreaming!
Karen recently posted..$145 Mobi Prize Pack #Babyshower
Karen: Thank you for your support. Hope the judges agree with you. It’s a great prize pack.
You are so right. There is plenty of time to dream. Although I know I am “young” at 33. Sometimes I feel I missed the boat on some opportunities. But the opportunities are still there when I am ready to grab them… at any age.
Good luck on your contest. I shared on FB and Twitter too.
Erin: Thanks for all the social luv. Yep girly, just jump up there and grab those opportunities.
This is awesome, keep on dreaming! Hope you win!
Nicole recently posted..Wordless Wednesday!
Thank you Nicole. Fingers crossed.
I have 3 different books in my head that I need to get down on paper and yeah, it’s not happening. Good luck!
Kelly recently posted..Banana and Cream “Oatmeal”
Kelly: If not you, then who? If not now, then when? I hope that sounded as inspirational as it did in my head. I want to read your books someday…someday very soon. Thanks for the support.
Great post! I’m definitely inspired – I’ve had this idea for a play of all things in my head for the longest time – I’ve never given a thought to being a playwright but maybe I need to consider it. Go girl! Good luck – I tweeted for you
Rachel recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Vacation Favorites
Rachel: Thanks for your support. Pluck those play ideas out of your head. My little sister sings this song to me (from Save the Last Dance):
Live your dreams,
It’s not as hard as it may seem,
You gotta work to get the cream…
Something about the cream line makes me chuckle. Still, very inspiring.
Don’t wait until SOMEDAY to do what you really want to do. Even if it’s inconvenient, take steps toward your dreams & goals NOW…there may NEVER be a some day.
Zipporah Sandler recently posted..I’ll take mine with a smear – New York Style
Zipporah: Cool name by the way. When you’re right, you’re right. No time like the present. Thanks for stopping by.
My husband told me writers will write 10 pages a day. I find that impressive! And you are right a mother must dream!! Best wishes in getting to your goal!
Thanks tons for your support Beth.
Great post and writing. I really hope you win…but even if you don’t, don’t give up! The best writers have been turned down multiple times. Can’t wait to see where you end up with your writing.
Thanks for the kind words and encouragement Johanna. I enjoyed reading your post today.
I LOVE your style of writing…it just hits home every single time…like I’ve known you for a long time.
I’m going to go tweet about you now. 
Thanks K. You’re the gal with the Upcycled Man’s Shirt. Very cool project. It turned out so cute.
Keep those dreams alive!
Good luck on the contest – it’s a great one, isn’t it?
Thanks Joanna. It really is a great contest. Thanks so much for letting me know about it. Good luck with your entry.
Way to go you!! You’ve got my vote!!
Thanks lots Beebs.
You have my vote!! I too love writing, it’s my biggest passion and you have to go after your dreams!
RJ recently posted..We Have Our Wings and We’re Chasing the Wind
Thanks RJ. I have to believe there is room for all of us who have a passion for words.
I hope you win! Good luck in all your endeavors!
Megan @ Weight Loss Mother recently posted..Eye discomfort begone! I’m taking the #BiotrueChallenge
I appreciate your support Megan.
It’s so easy to make excuses for why we can’t but and you’re right, it’s often times our own self standing in the way of pursuing our bliss.
Thank you Kelly. Excuses are definitely easy to make. They always sound so logical in our heads.
Dreams can be put aside for ourselves when we have our children. But as the children get older we remember we want to dream too! I hope your dream becomes reality!
Joy Williams recently posted..Cabinet Transformations: Pickled Oak to Glazed Gingerbread
Thank you Joy. Dream on.
Loved your post!! new follower from Mommy’s Mingle!
mommy’s mingle recently posted..Mingling at BlogHer12
Thanks for stopping by.