Thursday 3 February 2022

“Those who lose dreaming are lost.” – Australian Aboriginal Proverb

When I saw that quote on someone else's post, it instantly resonated with me. I understand they are referring to a more complex idea, Dreaming connecting Aboriginal people to their past, present, and future as well as their land and culture*. However, it reminded me of a line in a song that I love "And so I'm told, Dreamin' is what keeps you from growin' old" because I feel it is in our dreams where our vitality lies.

Yet as life marches on, we often do lose our dreams. We stop working on them, we stop trying to make them happen. We discard them as foolish, frivolous, or childish. Childish. It implies now we must focus and be happy with our adult realitites - obligations and experiences. If we are lucky, we are happy with our lives. 

As the kids grow up, I meet more and more people trying to remember who they were before twenty or more years of their life became about everyone else's needs. They might be happy but something is missing. One friend even said they didn't have any interests or hobbies. They're feeling adrift from their own life. Those who lose their dreams are lost.

Our dreams may have become obsolete. Or they may no longer interest us. However, then we need to find another dream or rather be inspired to chase a different activity to fill us with hope and nourish our soul. That's what feeds us energy, and keeps us feeling young, engaged, and alive. 

A friend just got a part in an amateur production. Another friend is taking singing lessons. I have a friend who is midway through a Marine Biology course with no intention of ever using it as a career, she just always wanted to do it.  

Luckily, it's never too late to start dreaming.

Dream of a better world. 

Dream of a better life.

Chase artistic endeavors or endorphin-inducing experiences.

Improve your state of being.

Most of all, start making it happen.




*I am open to correction on any of that description of Dreaming as I found it hard to explain my understanding of it, which might be incorrect anyway.


loopyloulaura



Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday

20 comments:

  1. I'm writing novels and chasing a publisher!

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  2. I have written a few books that I have self published#kcacols

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  3. What a great poem and encouragement. I have become a writer (one published book so far with more on the way) and am more than halfway to my psychology master's! My kids are still quite young, but we are all growing together. www.growingexceptional.com #KCACOLS

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  4. This is glorious and so encouraging! #KCACOLS

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  5. I think we should all try to hold on to something that is just for us, work, family etc often take priority but we all need some sense of self #KCACOLS

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  6. I could not agree with this sentiment more! I always thought we had missed the boat to work overseas once we hit our thirties and started family planning. But then we moved from Australia to the UK when I was 20 weeks pregnant and the 5 years there were the best experience of our lives (despite covid!!). Never too old :) #KCACOLS

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  7. Love this. Too many people just seem to be "going through the motions" every day. Finding new and exciting things to experience is such a vital part of life #KCACOLS

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  8. Love it I definitely think its our dreams that give us the passion for life that just makes it better. #KCACOLS

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  9. This is really lovely, it's never too late to start dreaming again and set goals for ourselves #KCACOLS

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  10. Hi Lydia I think you explained it perfectly. I agree that dreaming keeps us vital and alive. I love that we have opportunities to keep growing and doing what we love and that is the key - turning dreams into reality and cherishing our dreams. #lifethisweek

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  11. This reminds me a little of a post I started writing last week and then Sanch shared an essay (from The Atlantic) that was similar.... can very much relate.

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  12. Great poem thanks for sharing#mischiefandmemories

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  13. I agree with you Lydia, it's never too late to start dreaming. I have never heard of this proverb either but it sums it all up perfectly.

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  14. Very interesting isn't it, to let some creative juices flow and allow the mind to take us on journeys. In this mad and hectic time dreaming is a great antidote. Thank you for sharing your post for Life This Week. I enjoy seeing your blog’s post pop up in the link up. Warm wishes, Denyse.

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  15. I love this! My mum always made the most of life. You are never too old to have ambition try new things or do what you enjoy xx #KCACOLS

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  16. Love this Lydia! Dreaming, and as you say 'making it happen', actually DOING some of the things we're dreaming about, is an important part of making life a meaningful experience <3 x #KCACOLS

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  17. Popping back from #MischiefandMemories xx

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  18. Hi Lydia! I love this SO much. Dreams are so important, whether we are chasing them or finally doing them! I'm in the latter now... and beyond... with my 2nd book. But, I've also gone back to dance classes. I do think I'm a bit old sometimes, but it makes me feel amazing :-) Thank you for joining us for #mischiefandmemories x

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  19. Dreams are so important for escapism, hope and motivation! It may change but should never be vacant. Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories

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