Dreams = balloons.  You can do one of two things with them: 1) chase them, grab their strings, and hold onto them like a kid with his favorite toy at Christmas, or 2) let them go.  I think most people make the mistake of thinking that, if you select option 2, those balloons float into the sky, never to be seen again.  Once you let them go, your chances of finding them are about as promising as your chances of finding a needle in a haystack. 

However, this is a misconception.  You’re not standing outside when you let go of dreams.  You’re standing in one of the many “rooms” of your life.  This being the case, the ceiling stopped your balloons from disappearing into nothingness; you need only find that room again, enter it, and grab those balloons by their strings.  That’s what I did.   

It’s been 1 ½ months now since I took a voluntary severance package and left work.  I have 7 ½ more months to make my dreams come true.  When December of 2009 arrives, I’ll either be the heroine of my own story, or I’ll be the failure that I fear the most.  Whichever the case, I’ll have no regrets.  December is when my severance pay runs out.  Life has handed me the opportunity of a lifetime: quality time to make my dreams my new income source. 

I picture my dream as one big balloon…MUSIC.  Music is in my blood.  It feeds me and gives me life.  There are many “strings” that lead to that balloon.  I play piano, I sing, I write songs, I’m in two bands.  I would love to make a living doing one of these things or a combination of them.  I love to perform; however, I know that it will not make me enough money to survive unless I become a major recording artist or one of my bands gets a long-term, high-paying gig.  I’d quickly seize either of the opportunities if they became available.  However, only time will tell how successful these bands might be.  So, performing is only one very thin string that leads to my balloon. 

I love to write songs, both lyrics and music.  A publishing deal would be another major string that would lead to my balloon.  It will take a LOT of work to somehow arrive at this point and I am no expert on obtaining a publishing deal.  However, this is my ultimate goal.  It’s also the goal that will take the most research, time, and effort.  It’s a bit overwhelming.  Nevertheless, that’s why our dreams are so much like balloons.  They’re fragile.  They can be “popped,” let go, only brought out at party-time when it’s fun to talk about them.  No one ever said it was easy to hold onto them and make them a reality.  That’s why they’re called dreams.  Once you make them a reality, the term “dreams” no longer applies. 

I no longer work 10-15 hours each day, but I’m still getting paid.  March and, so far, April have been my months for visiting old friends, getting back in touch with things I love to do (like yoga), and just getting centered.  I’ve made progress and I know I’ll take huge steps in the months to come.  I’m slowly learning how to use my new keyboard, which will help me tremendously in writing songs.  I’ve written lyrics to a friend’s music, with the hopes that we can sell some of his music to a production company for a new recording artist.  Since leaving work, I’ve performed twice with my band, The Great Unknowns and I’ve met many times with my new band, First Impressions, to work on tracks for our demo package.  I’ve done research on publishing, copywriting, and songwriting and I’ve taken detailed notes.  Baby steps.  With all the time on my hands, I’ll be taking King Kong steps in the months to come.  That’s my plan as I move into May.

I guess my ultimate point for this hub is to reassure people that dreams are accessible. I’ve given you a brief summary of where I’m at in my dream pursuit. There are millions of excuses and reasons for not pursuing your dreams. It’s so very easy to say that you’ve let go of them and it would be impossible to get them back. However, there are countless ways to overcome adversity, grab your balloons by their strings, and slowly pull them back down. Here are the top three excuses I’ve heard for not pursuing your dreams. If you disagree with my rebuttal, feel free to comment and say so. I love a good debate.

Excuse #1: I don’t have all the information I need.

Do some research. Consult an expert. No one said you wouldn’t have to expend a little effort to make your dream a reality. Don’t let laziness be the reason that you someday have regrets. You don’t have to do all the work yourself to learn about a certain topic. Of course, the internet is an amazing tool.

You can also call someone that’s done it before. Worried that they won’t talk to you? How will you know until you pick up the phone and give it a try? Plan what you’ll say, how you’ll ask to speak to the person, and how you’ll phrase your questions. Better yet, plan on two phone calls. The first call should be to introduce yourself, explain why you wish to speak to the person, and request to make an appointment to talk via phone. Many people hate it when you call unexpectedly and expect them to drop everything they’re doing to talk with you immediately. Be very professional in how you introduce yourself and request the appointment. Ensure the person up front that you only need three minutes of their time, introduce yourself and what information you’re looking for, and ask if they’d be willing to talk to you further. However, also be prepared to have the actual conversation, in case he or she is ok with speaking with you immediately.

Perhaps you don’t have enough information because of the next excuse.

Excuse #2: I don’t have enough time.

Make the time. Just like personal trainers tell you about exercising, you can fit it into your day if you make the time. Making the time doesn’t mean devoting a full hour every day. Maybe you devote 30 minutes, three times each week. There’s always a way to make progress. It’s our minds and our excuses that tend to hinder that progress. Are you a single parent with children that need your full attention? Occupy them with a healthy board game or homework assignment. Do you have young children that can’t yet read or play board games? Take time for yourself once they’re in bed and asleep. Even if it’s just 15 minutes and you only make an itty bitty amount of progress, something is better than nothing. Do you work 80 hours each week? Tell your boss you need 10 minutes every day for yourself and take that time to research or make plans toward your dream. If your boss can’t give you 10 minutes, I’d question why you’re in your current job and working so hard. If you really want it, make it happen.

Excuse #3: Everyone knows that my dreams are too big and unachievable.

I worked in a corporate environment until I left at the end of February. When I used to tell my coworkers about someday becoming a professional singer/songwriter, they’d laugh. Many times, if you tell someone you aspire to be a singer/songwriter, they automatically assume you want to be famous. For some reason, perhaps because fame is so hard to achieve and they associated my dream with fame, my coworkers always seemed to be rolling their eyes at me. People were in utter shock and disbelief when they learned that I was actually taking the voluntary severance package to pursue this. I have no degree in music. I have only my desire and drive to grow my musical career.

Don’t let others’ perceptions and comments prevent you from pursuing your dreams. In my last few weeks at work, you’d be amazed at how much people began to respect and admire the fact that I was taking a chance. Of course, I got the laundry list of questions. Below are a few of my favorites and my answers:

Q: “When will you start looking for another job?” (here, the person automatically assumed I’d fail at becoming a singer/songwriter)

A: “When I’m certain that I can’t establish income via my work as a singer/songwriter. If income is a problem, I can always work part-time to make ends meet. I can sell my house and get a tiny apartment. I can shop at Wal-Mart for everything I need. There are lots of areas where I could cut back.”

Q: “What about your degrees? Are you just going to let them go to waste?”

A: “No, I’ll use them every day. My logic, planning, attention to detail, and business skills came from my degrees and experience. I’m many steps ahead of other people in the industry due to this fact and I’ll need these skills every day as I’m researching, organizing and presenting my work, etc.”

Q: “Aren’t you scared?”

A: “In an excited-kind-of way. I’m doing something many folks never take the opportunity to do. Once this is all over, whether I’m a professional singer/songwriter or not, I know I can go on with my life with no regrets.”

Q: “What about the economy?”

A: “The economy is what it is; postponing your dream pursuit due to the economy is somewhat like postponing starting a family because you never have enough money.”

Q: “Do you have a plan?” (my favorite)

A: “Nope. Not right now. But I will. Right now, all I know is, my plan will NEVER AGAIN be to spend the majority of my days doing work that I hate only to save all my money and hope I live until retirement to spend it.”

Believe it or not, the more I answered these types of questions in this way, the more respect I got. People started to believe in me. I really think it’s because I gave no sign that I didn’t fully believe in myself. It’s amazing how your own personal attitude affects and influences other people. What type of attitude to you exhibit when talking about your dreams? If you talk negatively about your dreams and about how you’ll never reach them, change that today. Start giving yourself credit and talking about when you’ll reach them. Treat them like balloons. People like balloons. They are pretty. They automatically bring a feeling of fun and happiness. Treat your dreams this way. Talk about them this way. Others will automatically change the way they respond to you.

You can probably tell by the length of my response to Excuse #3 that it’s the one I’m most passionate about.  For years, I’ve let others shape how I feel about myself and the things I love, including my dreams.  My last few weeks in my corporate job and my interactions with my coworkers really helped give me confidence in what I was doing with my life.  When I announced that I was leaving last December, I felt like the joke of our department.  Upon leaving in February, I felt like I had everyone’s support and like I was inspiring others to consider their dreams.

Interestingly enough, in March, I got a call from the department event planner.  She had heard my band play just before I left in February and was interested in booking us for a huge supplier event held every April.  I’ve attended this event in the past.  The entertainment is always top-dollar and very good.  I was honored and, of course, accepted the request.  Tonight’s the night.  I will stand in front of all of my former coworkers and show them that I’ve got what it takes.  Will I be demonstrating my songwriting?  No, I’ll only show-off my performance skills.  However, I know that my performance will confirm my ability and will only further my former coworkers’ belief in my songwriting abilities.  I know that tonight will be a wonderful night and only another step toward my dreams.  Give me a few months and, if you look up, you might just see me floating along, hanging on to my balloons.