Dreams

I know I typically try to stick to sports topics on this blog, but this week I'm switching it up a little. Hopefully you read my previous post about Diana Nyad, an amazing woman who never game up on her dreams. I've also read several other inspirational articles this week about persistence being the key to success. The topic even came up in a conversation I had with my dad this week. It went something like this, "I'm not giving up if I don't make the team this trip. I'm nothing, if not persistent. That has to count for something!" This was following by some sage wisdom I absolutely needed to hear. This week I had adopted the "hope so" attitude about my upcoming trip. When he asked if I was ready, I answered with, "I hope so." Not the right answer. "I am," was the proper response, but that's not what came out. He responded with a quote I've heard from my parents many times. "No hoping so, you are. Decide on success." Enough said. Message received and noted. Thanks Dad!

If you've ever come across an obstacle and your dreams seemed out of reach, you need to read this article about the bestselling author of The Help. The book was rejected 60 times before a publisher accepted the manuscript, and now Kathryn Stockett is rolling in the dough. I can't even imagine being turned down that many times. She had some dark days, but that didn't stop her. Here's my favorite quote from the article:

"In the end, I received 60 rejections for The Help. But letter number 61 was the one that accepted me. After my five years of writing and three and a half years of rejection, an agent named Susan Ramer took pity on me. What if I had given up at 15? Or 40? Or even 60? Three weeks later, Susan sold The Help to Amy Einhorn Books.

The point is, I can’t tell you how to succeed. But I can tell you how not to: Give in to the shame of being rejected and put your manuscript—or painting, song, voice, dance moves, [insert passion here]—in the coffin that is your bedside drawer and close it for good. I guarantee you that it won’t take you anywhere."

That quote couldn't have summed up this week any better. I needed to remember that no matter what happens, my dreams can still become reality. I'm not about to give up on rejection number 60! What if tomorrow is the day? Anyhow, I hope this encourages someone else out there who was having a hard week. Phillipians 4:13 has always been one of my favorites, and I sure said it a lot this week.

"I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me."

Getting back to the videos I mentioned in the opening, I found them to be most fascinating. I randomly found these videos tonight, and they are inspiring to me. I've always wanted to travel, see the world, experience different cultures, see amazing architecture, and of course, eat great food. These guys did just that. They just packed up and went. No more waiting for tomorrow. No putting off their dreams till later. Seize the day!

3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage... all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food ....into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films.....equals a trip of a lifetime. 

So, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. I encourage you to challenge yourself today and go chase your dreams! And don't be afraid to dream BIG!!!

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.