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Writer's picturejennelizjones

Illusions of Dreams (aka Goals)



My whole life I knew that I wanted to dance. Nothing beats the adrenaline rush of performing, regardless if it's rolling on stage with feathers falling from the rafters or frolicking through botanical gardens like a woodland fairy. Most of all, I love the mental challenge of understanding technique and enduring past the point of fatigue until the music ends.


As a kid, we were taught that we could be anything. My brother Erik, like me was blessed (or cursed) with endless natural energy. He tends to run around like a chicken with its head cut off because he literally can’t sit down. And when he does, he’s like a space cadet deep in thought, likely deliberating his next attack. For people with incessant enthusiasm, goals are a lifeline. Taking time to write both long term and short term goals allow us to direct energy, helping make positive influences on society instead of literally running in circles.


As humans it’s natural to never feel satisfied. We might eat tacos tonight, but what should we make tomorrow? Beyond the most obvious priorities, the list of goals changes as more tasks are completed.


I distinctly remember when I started to write lists at night. I’d wake up with a brain (hole) full of ideas, and there was no option other than writing them all down. Over the years goals have ranged from long term, like education and health, to short term, like interior design and holiday planning. Even when I weighed 115 pounds and performed regularly, research to maintain and tone felt necessary. Then as soon as that number increased, I’d read methods to lose weight. This obsession becomes especially challenging when physicality determines one’s ability to work.


At what point should we feel satisfied in our quest for self-improvement? I’m currently pursuing master’s degrees in dance education and nonprofit management, yet doctoral programs have magically emerged on the list as well. Do folks in retirement have peace of mind or are they booking every adventure and travel opportunity that presents itself? After all, curiosity and the quest for knowledge has allowed us to progress as a species.


As an adult, many of my long term goals have been met. I am married with kids. I own a house and a car. I'm pursuing a long term career. I have an education, faith in God, and enough means to afford eventful holidays. But now, it's up to me to lay the path for my kids and show them that I am not a disrespectful, lazy member of society so they might follow suit. We’ve taught our kids to eat healthily, speak kindly, and have a genuine interest for learning. We also load them with love and affection so they might reciprocate. (But this is all for another article).


With all that said, it’s easy to lose track of priorities and forget the common denominator. If the end goal is happiness, are we not happy now? Is satisfaction the same as happiness? I feel satisfied with the light fixture hanging in the foyer, but would prefer one without glass. There is no end to the ravenous desire for improvements. At the same time, remaining static is against our very nature.


So with that dear friends, I hope you’ve taken time while reading this neanderthal of a blog to consider your own dreams. Whatever your desires include, I hope they bring you a lifetime of happiness, if that is your goal.

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