Aching Dreams

Have you ever wanted something so badly it hurt? Maybe not something like a piece of pie sitting on the counter, but a goal or a dream? Have you ever had a moment where you see someone living your dream and you just feel an ache because you want that too? I can list off several times I felt that. Whenever I see someone releasing a new book, as excited as I am for them, it nags at my desire to get my own published. And there was my time volunteering at the zoo a few years back. I’d help with cheetah enrichment and talk to the cheetah keeper. I remember thinking how much I wanted her job.

Perhaps that ache you feel is the “thou shalt not covet thy neighbor” warning we hear growing up. Or, perhaps that ache is a guide, letting you know where your path will lead. What goal you should shoot for. But, you have to be careful. As much as that ache can help push you toward your dreams, you can’t let it push you toward bitterness. As much as I want my novel published, I’m not going to be bitter and angry with all the people already achieving that dream. I’m going to celebrate with them and let their success inspire my hope that one day my novel will be sitting on the shelf next to theirs.

Same goes for the cheetah keeper. I’m not going to begrudgingly follow her around because she has the position I want. I’m going to learn from her. Get her insight into the position and what skills I can improve to help me get to her point.

I guess what I’m saying is that you shouldn’t tear others down for achieving a dream you’re also pursuing. Don’t let bitterness creep in and ask the question of “why them and not me?” but let hope inspire by saying “Yay for them! Next is me.”

So, what dreams are you pursuing that make your heart ache because you want them so badly? How are you pursuing them? How are you letting that ache guide you?