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Stay the Course; Follow Your Dreams
Author's Note and a Word of Caution:
Please be advised that the following article may discourage or encourage you to succeed or fail in life, like it or not. I may be supporting or arguing the fact that you should or should not follow your dreams however ridiculous or practical they may be. I can neither confirm nor deny the effectiveness of my own advice as I am my own guinea pig in the entire ordeal so results will vary (readers please be wary of this and take heed). I will not be responsible nor be held accountable for any or all successes or failures that you may or may not enjoy or worse, befall. However, I might just one day smile at you and say to you, "I told you so" whether it be in a negative or positive light. So, in the immortal words of Jedi master Obi-Wan Kenobi, "May the Force be with you."
An Attempt to Murder My Dream
Just the other day, I got into a heated argument about my place in life and the direction I’m heading. The person in question will remain anonymous as this person married into my family. I’ve had arguments with this particular person before, but nothing nearly as serious or inflammatory and the reason being is because the subject was me and more importantly, my dreams. Coincidentally, Anonymous Person and the first and last name of this person’s initials are A.P. With that said, their initials will remain A.P. The following is a dramatization of what actually transpired:
A.P.: “So what are you doing with yourself?”
Me: “I’m editing my novel and am writing on the internet.”
A.P.: (Snorts) “Are you making any money doing this?”
Me: “No, not really.”
A.P.: “Then why are you doing it if it isn’t making any money?”
Me.: “Because I enjoy it and know that it’s something I need to try and do…I want to publish my novel someday. Besides, why do you have to be paid for something you enjoy?”
A.P.: “You know, people everywhere write thousands of books and never publish. They waste away their lives and go nowhere.”
Me: “Well, it’s my dream to get published.”
A.P.: “You are a dreamer. You’ll never get anywhere by dreaming.”
Me: (Visibly pissed) “I’ll remember you said that for when I do get published.”
When growing up, I was only told to follow my dreams and that I could accomplish anything, so long as I put my mind to it. I’m sure that you heard the very same thing when growing up as well. I was told that I could become an astronaut, a United States senator (being an immigrant from Laos, I couldn’t ever become President), a doctor, an artist, and that the world was my oyster as long as I was willing to dive head first and dive really deep. I was told by my father that, “America is the land of opportunity where hopes and dreams are realized.” And I as a gullible “dreamer” believed him wholeheartedly every step of the way while walking along that Yellow Brick Road.
What Did You Want to Be When You Grew Up?
In the Face of Failure
It takes a lot of fearlessness and courage to pursue your dream and attain your lifelong goals. I often think about how life would be like if I fail and fail while trying to achieve my goal of getting published. When I start forgetting more than I’m learning each and every day of my tired life, I’ll look into the bathroom mirror and see before me, a defeated old man staring back at me, in which I’ll ask myself honestly, “What have you done with your life?” And when my life begins to slip away while lying upon my ill-fated death bed while losing consciousness, I’ll say to myself, “Damn, I wish I made an effort to get published.” Alas, another life wasted and spent in futility, having spent my entire life living in the purgatory known as mediocrity. Surely, to die before ever reaching my goal would be the worst fate I could suffer. This is my biggest fear.
I don't ever want this to happen.
My Dream Car
Please click to enlarge
Giving It Your All
So what if you gave your all, having written your “Opus” of an unsolicited novel and placed it on an aluminum foil pie-dish (because you couldn’t afford a silver platter) or in other words, your “heart” and placed it in the awaiting white gloved hands of a literary agent or prominent publishing house and said to them, “This is all that I got; this is my everything—my all—my hopes and dreams and this is by far my best work…So please, please, please consider it for publication.” And so these same folks take your work and poked, prodded, and toiled with it: Maybe they read only the first three chapters. Maybe they read only the brief synopsis and leafed through a few of the pages while skimming your Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius and consequently gave it their Stamp of Disapproval with a middle-finger and when finally they had enough of your laughable “work” they hand it back to you whilst pinching their noses shut to expel the odor that now emits from that same aluminum foil pie-dish. But now your work or heart isn’t what it was when first you submitted it for publication. Now that “heart” of yours has a damn meat cleaver jutting out of it and that aluminum foil pie-dish is no longer an aluminum foil pie-dish but a chopping block. The pain of rejection hurts that much—so much so that you want to just to give it all up and go back to that day job you despise. Who knows, maybe you’ll go home and set your novel on fire. Didn't your mother tell you that there would be days like this?
Sailing Takes Me Away
My Fear of Regret Outweighs My Fear of Rejection
Yes, so let me reiterate: My fear of regret outweighs my fear of rejection. In other words, I’d much rather die trying
than live a life filled with regret. Say it however you
want to, just say it out loud and dammit, say it proud! Having worked in several “real
jobs” after college graduation, I find that I was happiest during the time I
was barely getting by while working forty hours a week at a local supermarket
and writing my novel that I’m currently editing.
To many of you, this may sound pathetic or sad, but to me, I had much
less stress in comparison to working seventy-plus hours in a corporate office
barking orders at people who were old enough to be my parents. I really hated that. Maybe it was because I had too much
compassion for the people that worked so damn hard for me or for a company that
believed everyone who didn’t have their own office as being expendable. Sure, I was making good money, but I was
miserable whilst watching my dreams of getting published slip away each day. My family and I escaped death and Communist persecution 10,000 miles away to come over here to America. I'd like to see to it that they didn't make a mistake in doing so and that their efforts were not in vain.
A Backyard Retreat
What's Your Dream?
All of us have a dream, don't we? I don't care if your dream is to become the next American Idol, the next Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods or Joe Montana; we all have dreams, no matter how big or how small. Maybe you're a 300-hundred pound plumber who dreams of one day starring in the Russian Ballet, or maybe you're a malnourished rocket scientist who dreams of becoming a celebrity chef--whatever...We all have them and we shouldn't let ANYONE stand in the way of us reaching our goals. Doing so will discredit us for ever dreaming in the first place. All of us have dreams and the moment that we push aside our dreams is the moment we begin dying--when we allow naysayers, jealous friends, and skeptics alike kick us in the pants and tell us that we suck. Be better than that! Be who you always wanted to be and better! Be stronger than fear! Be stronger than doubt! But for the Love of Maria, be stronger and braver than what you already are, because you know the road your on and you probably know where that road will lead, otherwise you wouldn't have any dreams in the first place and so are living it already. My advice is for you to follow it to the ends of the earth. Chase after your rainbow. And even if you don't a find a pot of gold at the end, at least you'll get to run through a grassy knoll the entire way.
Thanks for reading me and don't ever give up on your dream!
© Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.
I would like to personally thank Mystique1957 for writing a hub in response to this hub titled "To dohn121 regarding 'Stay the Course; Follow Your Dreams.'
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Comments
- Author
I totally agree, ItsThatSimple. My father used to tell me while growing up, that if I "Hang out with sh*t, then I would become sh*t." That pretty much sums it up. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
It is key to surround yourselves with positive rather than negative people when working toward your dreams. It is discouraging when someone comments on your dream or puts it down. Friends should uplift each other, but sometimes we aren't in the same place in life and don't have the spirit to uplift each other.
- Author
Hey, MyWebs. Yes, life is certainly too short for any of us to not pursue our dreams. I believe that the happiest people in this world are those that simply followed the urgings of their heart while putting the needs of others ahead of their own (so long as they don't coincide).
You are absolutely correct in your assessment. Regret will keep each of us up at night and will be the very last thing that goes through our minds whilst upon our deathbeds if we fail to accomplish what we had at first set out to do. I don't want to have to go through such an ordeal.
Thanks so much my friend. This is one of my own favorite hubs I've written. It felt good to share this with others, as I wrote it to help inspire others.
While I'm rather confident that one day you will be published you said it best with this sentence "My fear of regret outweighs my fear of rejection."
I feel exactly the same way. There are many things I regret from my younger years and I believe I have learned from these mistakes as well.
I will keep trying to pursue my dream because if I don't then I am stuck with yet another "What If?" question that will drive me nuts. What could I have done if only I had tried harder? I don't want to have this question haunting me again. I would much rather fail than have to ask myself this question yet once again. Failure is much better than regret. Still nothing beats a hard earned success either. :)
- Author
Not a problem, H. I hope it helps others as well!
Hi dohn, I've put a link here from my newest hub. Let me know if it's ok. :)
- Author
Thanks and your welcome, H. You've done more than I could ask for! It's a pleasure :)
I added the link, thanks so much for your kind words. It will be hard to give you back all that you give to me. Thanks my friend.
- Author
Thank you so much for coming over here and reading this, Rebecca! I thought it would help. Life is too short to live in fear and toil with the possibility of failure. It's easy to fail and much more difficult to succeed. The choice is our's alone. Thanks for the encouragement! Hopefully this year I will get signed onto a publishing house :D
dohn121-- thanks so mcuh for this hub, it's exactly what I needed. you will publish I knwo you will. keep up the great work here!
- Author
Thank you so much, Petra. Sometimes I feel that I'm the only one on this planet that believes that I will publish and then on other days, I feel that the entire world believes I'll publish except me! Overall, I know that I will. I just believe that I'm good enough! I'm so happy that you read this. It means a lot.
Thanks Petra xox
Hi Dohn,
I found this story because I read Mystique's tribute to you on a hub; everything he said is well deserved and as you know I much appreciate you as a writer.
I know for sure your novel will be published and you will make your family proud.
- Author
Thank you, Mystique1957. I hope that you do publish a hub as a response as that would be a first in response to this hub. I'll be sure to create a link for it here.
I'm not sure what that message is, but I'm guessing that it's Japanese! (I only speak Lao and English :D)
Wow, my friend...
What I want to say is so long that I`d rather publish a hub about it than post it as an answer.
Just know you have inspired me deeply!
Thank you for being here!
yoroshiku onegai shimasu, dohn121-san!
- Author
Thanks, RDB (awesome profile name by the way). I'll certainly check out your hub. I thank you for reading mine and I hope that it has helped you somehow ;)
I found this very thought provoking and, more especially, timely. I've been having my own thoughts on why I write here and who I am. you can find this at https://hubpages.com/relationships/Why-do-we-publi... I'd be interested to hear what you think. Jeff
- Author
Thanks, hypnodude. I actually had the Cranberries' song, "Dreams" before until it became an "embedded video" per the owner of the video/recording company. I just changed it about 2 weeks ago. I should've went with this video from the beginning.
I'm glad that you enjoyed reading my hub. Thank you.
This hub is simply great. I agree 100% with you. Great piece. And Ole's version of somewhere over the rainbow is one of my very preferred songs ever. It makes my heart vibrating, so to speak.
- Author
Thank you! I couldn't have said it better myself and could not live any other way. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
For some of us, writing is almost as important as breathing. For the rest, they will never understand. If you ever need to find out how important writing is to you, just stop writing! If you can't handle life without, then your a writer! thanks for the hub. I enjoyed it.
- Author
Yes, James. I totally agree. I don't want to become a statistic when I'm dead! I do want to make a difference in this world and hopefully, be remembered in a good way! Maybe we'll meet someday...You know, I want to sail around the world but know nothing about doing so. Perhaps you can point me in the right direction!
Dohn.... Wonderful HUB. To paraphrase Mark Twain "In the end, it will be those things that we did NOT do that we will regret, not the things we did..." Or something like that, still TRUE non-the-less. As you know, I am living part of your dream now, and of course withstanding my share of "dream smashers" as well, but also like you the normal world did not treat me much better. Oh well... "Tally ho, and off we go", check my HUB "This Dream, It Seems"..... we may yet cross paths. Best JM
- Author
Thanks Money Glitch! I'm glad that you do. Life is more than what we see around us. The real joy is discovering the life you'd always envisioned. I totally agree! Thank you.
Love it, love it! Without dreams there would only be the reality of nothing. There's nothing more pleasant than having a vision and having that vision manifest itself into reality. Great Hub, Dohn!
- Author
Wow. Thanks so much for that, outdoorguy38! I really hoped to inspire others by writing this hub. The fire and passion to succeed is inside all of us--I just wanted to stir the embers. I do believe that I will succeed and that it's only a matter a time before I get my big break. And even if it isn't so, I'm not going down without a fight. Thank you so very much for the feedback and your endorsement of me and my dreams. I can't tell you how much that means to me! I wish you well in all of your endeavors. Here's to both our successes!
Not only is your hub inspirational to all hubbers, but it is by far the very best thing you could do for your own desire to succeed. With this hub published and being commented on constantly, you have constant reminders of what your goals truly are and how far you are willing to go to reach them. In my hub I refer to this as a dream folder, and yours is absolutely perfect for renewing your strength to accomplish everything you desire. There is not a doubt in my mind that you will succeed Dohn, and it is a pleasure to be your fan and read your writings. Here's to the success that lies just around the corner for us all!
- Author
Thanks so much, James. Your story sounds a little like mine. Sometimes, in having nothing, we find out what is most important in this world. Thanks for sharing your story with me. At least now you won't lay yourself down to rest with the feelings of regret many of us have when we do pass on. I see that your cohort truly respects you. Hearing such a compliment come out of him must have been very rewarding to you! I commend you for doing so, James. Thank you for reading me.
How beloved you are! Lord knows I chased my dreams for 20 years in the music business against much criticism in my family. And when I was done, I was flat broke and everything I owned fit in a car. But I was happy. At my class reunion, the guy who had become rich, and who was usually a bit snobbish, took me aside and told me he was envious of me. I was incredulous. He said, "You're the only person in this room who followed his dream. And we all had one."
- Author
Thank you, Randy! Ha! I'm sure that if you do a little soul searching, you'll find one in no time at all. Thank you so much for reading this. You are truly a unique individual with your comment. It's always great to hear from you, my friend.
Wow Dohn, I'm not gonna read the thousand comments on this thing, so sorry if I repeat. My guess is this un-named person trying to crush your dreams has been put in your path to give you moxy. So, kudos to him for a job well done. :) In reading this I really feel like I need to get myself a dream. Other than the one of paying my bills... yep. I gotta get me one of them dream things. ;)
Hello Dohn
I sent you an email regarding the book I had published. By the look of all of these amazing comments you've been busy replying, but I just wanted to make sure you received it OK.
- Author
Thank you, dave272727! I'm just passing it along really. Throughout my life, I had some really great mentors who encouraged me to do just that. I appreciate your support.
The best advice anyone could ever get. Keep it up my friend. You are on your way!!
- Author
Ha! Thanks so much, my friend. Yes, I believe that I will too, and I don't take for granted all of the support and great comments the entire community here at HubPages has given me in the short period of time that I've been here. You guys are just awesome and are from all corners of the planet.
I knew that this hub would help to encourage you to go on. Just writing it instilled in me some much needed confidence that I was lacking. Thanks as always :D
A heartfelt 'Thankyou' Dohn! - that is what I can say here.
yes, Thanks a lot, really.
Reading your hub and the following comments instills a strength to keep believing in one's self. As you can see/feel that you are an inspiration to many of us here...Dohn, all your hard work, aspirations and our wishes for you will not go in vain, I am sure you will be published.yes..you will. PERIOD! ;)
- Author
That's great to hear that you wrote two novels, Eileen! No, I didn't get laughed at (not yet, anyway) as I was only being hypothetical. I was illustrating a point. Please keep your dream and don't get discouraged, but listen to those who give you constructive criticism rather than laugh at your work. We all need to be open-minded to the fact that our work isn't perfect and that adjustments are made in order that it's up to snuff. Thanks for the comment and thanks for reading.
Yes we all need to dream that is what gives us our goals in life to continue on. I have also written 2 novels not published. In fact I stopped writing for ages as I was virtually laughed at like you I have been writing for about two years again now. We have to believe in ourselves sometimes and do what we enjoy. That is a part of life experience we all have to learn. Great and lots of comments too.
- Author
I absolutely agree. Were it not for the dreamers in this world, we'd still be hunting animals with spears for nourishment and living in caves. Thanks, Salty Giovanni.
Anybody who says don't follow your dreams are completely idiotic. Your hub was amazing and very well written.
- Author
I'm really glad that you liked this and that it's helped you in some way. I thank A.P. for inspiring me to write this--call it negative inspiration turned positive. Time is ticking as life is too short (sorry about the cliches). I totally agree with you. I'm happy to just be able to share my thoughts and to receive feedback from so many fans and friends is an absolute bonus. Thank you!
This is a beautiful hub, Dohn! Very inspirational as well. You are an amazing writer and it is lovely to here how your perseverance is riding high. I think it is when we stop giving to what we love to do everything else can become more trying and difficult to achieve. This was great for me to read to connect with your passion and fire for your dreams. Beautiful!
- Author
Hey, thanks for that Benjimester! I'll never give up on what I believe to be something that belongs rightfully to me. I know some people whose resolve isn't as strong and so backed away from pursuing what they set out to. I'm just too stubborn to quit I guess! Thank you.
Cool dude. I like your dreams. I love adventuring and writing as well. There's nothing like it. I'm glad you didn't give in to the negativity. Keep truckin!!
- Author
Thank you, rosescottw. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to hearing what you think of it after you finish.
So far I've just only looked over this hub. I like it. I particularly like the pictures (photos) I'm going to start reading now. I already know it is for me. Thanks a lot. I can truely sit back and enjoy. You are my type of writer.
- Author
That is so good to hear, Outspoken writer! Thank you very much for the vote of confidence. I could go on a rant about the fake people out that who each have an agenda. There really is a lot of BS out there and five times the amount of pitfalls each vying for your energy and resources. Six months would be more than I could have hoped for! Thanks so much and I'm happy to be obliged. Good luck to you and keep your chin up. You only fail when you decide to!
Read, enjoyed and agree with every word of this hub. You go! I command a publishing deal for you and it will come forth in the next six months! Like you, I have finally given up on dead end jobs and glamorous careers that I hated and gone back to writing, which is what I was orginally supposed to do. My dream of earning a decent living while inspiring others with a God given gift lives and you've inspired me this day to keep going after it. Thank You.
- Author
Thank you very much for taking my advice and reading this hub, VioletSun. I really appreciate your doing so, as I thought you'd enjoy doing so. I will follow my dreams to the ends of the earth and won't ever quit until I am where I believe I belong. I don't want to die with head filled with regret and discontent. Life is too short and too beautiful to be wasted. Yes, many of those positive people are right here in our own HP community and it's a blessing that I found all of you albeit by accident. For each to encourage each other is essential to our own successes. Thank you again for coming by. I look forward to swapping comments with you in the future!
I am so glad you mentioned this hub to me! I wrote one where I share how I encourage others to follow their dreams. You are a very good writer and you need to follow your dreams, absolutely. I too think that the day I meet my death, I hope, I don't have any regrets of things left undone. Following one's heart is the highest honor you can give yourself, how can it not be, its the highest part of yourself. I remember reading from one of Wayne Dyer's book, that is important to surround oneself with positive people, they are probably also following their own dreams so most likely will not would feel threatened by another's success.
So glad to finally getting a chance to read your work!
- Author
Thank you so much, Peggy! I'm pretty hard on myself for the most part, when it comes to judging myself. My parents sacrificed so much--while in Laos and while in America--that I want to see to it that they are taken cared of, not to mention the rest of the members of my family. I'll be sure to get you a book as well! Thank you for your comment!
You are not only an excellent writer but also a good son who wants to honor his parents. You have already honored them with what you have said about them and when you can help them financially it will be frosting on the cake. Please put me down for one of those autographed copies of your book!
- Author
Wow, Duchess! Thank you so much for that! I hoped that good things are in store for me in the near future. There's nothing else I want to do than to write for a living. I really would be content with making maybe $75,000/year and that really isn't asking for much, is it? Thanks for your support, from the bottom of my heart. It means a lot to hear your kind words.
dohn, your hub was touching. Truly heartfelt and wonderfully clear. Better yet was reading all of the support you have received from your fans here at HubPages. You are truly blessed. But you completely deserve it, for you give nothing less than your best, especially when encouraging other writers.
I'm glad to hear that you are going for the gold! Here's to seeing as much success as you can handle graciously.
- Author
Your welcome and thank you! You're going to be fine, Emie. Just follow you heart and your dreams will be realized. I hope that you attain that in which you seek. I look forward to hearing about your successes!
Dohn, you just made me shed some tears and I haven't really cried that much these past two years! I told my husband by hook or by crook we'll make the decision next year. Right now, I just want to ask for help from Up There on the right decision for us. It's not that easy. Thanks, thanks, thanks! :)
- Author
@Arthur Gulumian-Wow, Arthur! Thanks for the great analogies! You're absolutely right about the daily grind of 9 to 5. I've been there, done it, and I've done it very successfully. However horrible I felt, I kept at it, thinking that I was doing the right thing, that there really was nothing else in this world for me. Inside, I was suffocating and dying inside. My hopes and dreams of a life beyond money and indentured servitude was fading. I felt like a glove without a hand. Although you are young, Arthur, you have more wisdom than some 40 year-olds that I know. You have a great head on your shoulders and got it right. That really is a lot of bullshit in this world and you really do need a bullshit detector to succeed my friend. Translation: You will succeed. I am willing and have made sacrifices and more effort is still needed for me to get to where I want to be. There is no "quit" in me. Thank you so much for that.
@bill yon-Yes, Bill. I wholeheartedly agree with you. No one on their death bed ever says, "I wish I worked harder" or "I wish I made more money." No, they are wish that they took more chances, rather than lived a sheltered life of mediocrity. I don't want to be a statistic. In one of my hubs, "Why I Write: A Reflection" I make the statement: "I want to change the world." My goal has not changed one bit. All of those people that you mention did change the world and I want to do the same. And how am I going to do it??? You'll just have to wait and see!
@Innovator820-I really hope that you don't give up on your passion. Even if it is that you don't publish, writing is therapeutic and rewarding in so many ways. Sure, we'd all like to be paid for working, but writing to me isn't work. It's a joy for me to partake in doing--I mean look at me now! I'll be sure to check out Amazon just as you recommended. Thank you so much for the feedback!
@emievil-:D Yes, I wrote this hub just for you, Emie! The jig is up! I am very familiar with your situation over your family business and your dreams of doing what your heart desires. I must say, Emie, you have to do what's best for you. You are the number one person in your life. You have done above and beyond what was expected out of you and then some. For your siblings to choose you to run your father's business means a hell of a lot. You already know what you want to do with you life, Emie. You know you do. You just don't want to admit it yet, for fear of actually pursuing it. Thank you so much for your kind, encouraging words. There's nothing else in this world that I want more than to write for a living. I consider myself fortunate to actually know what I want in life, as that is saying more than what many people can say. Thanks, Emie!
Hey dohn, thanks for this hub. I could have sworn you made this hub especially for me. LOL :)
Seriously, you just took the (written) words out of my mouth (or my fingers). I've written a hub about making up my mind and I guess it all boils down to one thing - am I really doing what I want to do? Right now, I'm all about obligation - to my father, his practice and my people. But the time is coming when I will really have to make up my mind and decide what I really want and follow it.
I salute you for doing what your heart desires and don't ever give it up. You're a great writer and you will get published one day. Who knows, that one day may happen next year? :) Maybe instead of predicting how many fans you'll get, I should predict when you'll get published :). Hang in there and keep on writing. We're all rooting for you.
Dohn, what an honest and heartfelt hub! Be who you have to be and don't ever give up hope! It pains me to no end to realize that my life is full of regrets, one of which is giving up on being a writer at such an early age because of something or someone that I let define me. Don't let that happen to you. Keep writing and keep developing as a writer...that's the journey that writers embrace. I do want to tell you that Amazon has "Create a Space" where you work with them on publishing your work. There are no upfront fees that I am aware of and they charge some type of royalty fee, but they take care of it all for you. Check it out and keep on pursuing your dreams!
Sup DOHN,I have a couple of A.P.s in my life too.they are my immeadiate family members,and the funny thing about it is I have acheived and seen more things in my life than they have!I settled once for the 9 to five life and was content with working til retirement,until a couple of years back I lost my job and have been going from job to job ever since working a year or two here being laid off and working a year or two there and being laid off...so I don't care what the A.P.s in my life have to say about anything anymore because I tried the run down with the 9 to 5 played the safe route only to have the rug snatched out from under my feet!the dreamer in me has been reawakened because of the plant closings and jobs moving off shore and a failed economy,people with dreams are the people that change the world,look at thomas edison how wild a dream could that have been for a man of his time?look at the wright brothers inventing the air-plane,they was treated like morons until they made it happen,and all the A.P.s had to shut their mouths and fade to black while the wright brothers made history!!I'm a dreamer and dreamers can't stop dreaming they can only stop chasing their dreams,they can only give up trying to make it real,but a dreamer will never be able to stop thinking about his/her dream they will always wonder what if? its better to chase your dreams and fail than to wake up ninety years old one day still wondering what if you would have just tried a little bit harder?
Dohn let me tell you something that might help you stand where you are. People in society live in a shackled ground; they only see the world through a narrow view and entrap themselves with this thing called 'reality'. Their 'reality' is actually their five senses at work, so we can never be sure if that reality truly does exist.
What we do know that exists is ourselves and our dreams and that is far more real than by their definition of reality. You don't live on the ground, you live amongst the sky and the world is your playground. People work to live and live to work; they are both bullshit. You don't need to work to live, all you need to do is simply live.
Writing keeps me alive and I'm sure it is as so to you. Keep dreaming and keep living. Pity the others who don't see the world as you do, because they can get all the money and power they want, but what they will never have done is lived a life.
Money makes some people very happy, and writing makes you very happy. Isn't that a human being's ultimate universal goal? So if you achieve your goals through easier means than more power to you.
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Thank you, Cris! Eh, I'm just a man with a plan ;) By all means I'm seeing to it that I fulfill my dreams and hope that others will as well. In a way, this hub started out as a rant but then turned out to be something positive. Thank you very much for being in MY corner, buddy. I appreciate it as always :D
They say that the best things in life are free. And to dream is free. But what you actually do about realizing it is what makes it exciting. The challenges are there to excite, to drive and fuel us not to deter.
A great hub! You're like a one-man support group my friend. A positive presence on HP. I should listen to you more. Two thumbs up! Way waaaaaay up! :D
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Thank you so much, Dan. I really appreciate your feedback. You are absolutely right about those who "scoff at our dreams." Whatever it is that is holding them back is trying to hold you back as well...They figured that because they can't cross the finish line, they'll maul others just so they won't finish either.
About this hub being longer--I always get nervous whenever I feel my hubs are too long in fear that no one will finish reading them or even try to at all. I'll never give up, no matter how tough the road is. Thank you so much for the encouragement and thank you for becoming my fan.
Dohn,
This is a fantastic post! I couldn't agree more with you on every point you make. Yours is a tremendous story and I would love to see you succeed in getting published. It's funny because most of the people who scoff at our dreams, inside regret what they are doing and that they DIDN'T chase theirs!
My only issue with your hub is that I wish it was longer. I want to hear more. I am definately a fan of yours now, and I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts on chasing your dreams.
Keep standing tall and aiming high,
Dan
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That's awesome that you actually made your dream a reality, Lady_E. Not everyone can make such a statement. I'm happy to hear that your, "Pursuit of Happiness" was realized. I too have 0% doubt about my dream and won't quit until I achieve it. Thank you so much for that!
That car is pretty expensive-$90,000 last I checked...But the sky's the limit, right? :D
Dohn, don't give up your dream. You have a lot of passion for it.
I had a dream to set up a small IT Business in 2001. I was bored stiff of 9-5 and wanted to work less hours, earning even more money. (ha! have my cake and eat it)
My Job in 2001 was An Administrator with the Police £18,000 - very good pay. Well, I quit. My colleagues said I was crazy and thought I'd gone cuckoo. Long story short, got a list of about 50 IT Software Training centres, did a mail shot, got contracts with two of them which led me down another career in life and paid much more than the Admin.
Here's the thing - years later, looking back. I thought "how did I do that"? and I remember so clearly in my heart I was 110 % sure that it would be a successful venture and I had 0% doubt in my head. I hope this encourages you. Good Luck.
Loving your dream car above and the wheels "ding dong"! :)
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Yes, as you know, I worked in the real world and absolutely hated it. I wasn't happy and wished to go back to using my creative energies to write. Thank you for reading me!
I enjoyed reading this because far too often we sell out our dreams for "reality"...and where does this lead to? Empty? Full of regrets? Angry? Sad? Lonely? Hmmmm....I say live and dream! :)
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That's great to hear, travelespresso! You certainly one to envy. I truly believe that I will publish and to me, I don't think that it is a question of whether or not I'm going to publish, rather when. You'll have to give me the name of the book! You can email me if you prefer. Thanks for following my writing. I appreciate it.
Hello Dohn
This is powerful writing. You are so RIGHT to keep following your dreams but you already know that. There are too many knockers and no one person can tell another how to live their life. I would like to share a wee story about me - my dream of getting published seemed unreachable and then suddenly (almost out of the blue!) I was offered a book deal! It was one of those precious moments in life. It happens and sometimes it happens when you are not expecting it. Keep those dreams!
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Thank you, Dolores. There really isn't that much in life that I regret doing, yet I'm not ready to meet my Maker just yet. I have so much to accomplish before I do. It was truly a blessing that I found HubPages and this wonderful, supportive community. Thank for your support! Meeting at the Tavern on the Green would be incredible :D
Thank you so much for that, dreamer32! I think that it is more difficult to get published nowadays, due to this being our Great Recession as many experts are calling it. Believe it or not I do listen to the naysayers and jealous friends, because they are fueling me to push forward. I want to much to get this done just so I can stick it to them! Thank you!
I beleive in everything that you are saying here! It is important to keep your eyes on your dreams. Sometimes, it might be difficult during tough times. Due to the naysayers, and jealous friends one should push past those things and not listen to them.
dohn - you never regret what you have done but what you have not done or attempted. Just don't feel alone. I think the hubpages are full of similar folks. Someday, we'll meet at the Tavern on the Green while lunching with our editors!
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That's wonderful to hear, KCC Big Country. We have such a short time on this planet and to do the most with the time we have is essential. You'll feel so much better once you've finished, believe me. The confidence of finishing just one will carry you forward to finish a second, third, and so on! Thank you for being a fan! I've learned so much from you while here and for that I'm grateful :)
Another great hub, Dohn. You know I'm one of your biggest fans. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that you're going to successfully publish your book(s). I'm excited already. :) You've renewed my desire to finish one of a couple I've started.
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Thank you, UK. I now understand why I haven't seen you around. That really is wonderful news and you know that I'm behind you 100%. I'm sure we talk again just as soon as you get everything under wraps. Thank you for your encouragement. You know how much it means to me ;)
Thanks, Patrice. It's good to hear that this has helped in some way. I really hope that I do meet my goals. I appreciate that!
In reading this hub it was so inspirational, and also displayed your very real talent for writing. I have no doub that you'll meet your goals!
Dohn,
Don't let anyone stop you from dreaming. I believe your dreams will all come true for you. Why? Because you are such a talented writer and you write with passion. I also am following my dream. I am working on my CD today. We are laying down the vocal tracks.
This was a wonderful, heartfult hub. Thanks for the inspiratin!
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Wow, thank you for the gesture. That's very kind of you. It has been difficult for me, but I know that it needs to get done. I really feel that I'm rewriting my entire novel rather than editing it. However, as long as the product is up to snuff, that's all that matters.
I'll certainly look into that magazine you made mention of. Thank you again for your support and for reaching out to me. You're certainly a blessing.
Good luck on your endeavors as well!
Dohn, I agree editing is so much more difficult. If you ever need a second pair of eyes, let me know--I've a writing degree too--though it's more non-creative--articles, memoirs...such.
Also, I want to share a great writer's magazine--simply called The Writer--you will find lots of encouragement and lots of writing tricks/tips from established writers. It's the best magazine I've subscribed!
Good luck on your venture.
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Thank you, Sara. I sure hope so. Life is too short for us to simply sit idle and wish that things would simple just fall into our lap. You're correct on that--I have to go and get it! Thanks.
dohn --
You write hubs from the heart. (Sounds like a Hallmark card series.) I think that's why your material is always such a nice read. Your determination will get you where you want to go, I'm sure. Go get that dream!
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That's really good to hear, TFT. I hope that you do opt for an agent, as it's your best way in which to get free representation. You could self-publish if all else fails but then you would consequently have to market yourself rather than have your publishing house do so. Good luck and thank you for the comment.
im trying to write and get published myself im not sure if I should try with an agent or not.
anyway I liked the skyline, but I loved the point you made in the article.
Thanks
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Thanks, aginwu. That really means a lot. You can certainly understand that discipline, honor, and filial piety plays a vital role in the hopes and expectations of Asian parents. Not only am I pursuing my goal of becoming a published author for myself, I'm also doing this for my parents and hopefully, for my children if ever I have some :D I'm glad that you stopped by and gave to me more motivation to finish what I've started. I'll admit that editing my novel is actually more grueling than writing it in the first place. My creative writing professor told me that it would be difficult and he wasn't kidding. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I'm grateful for it.
dohn, this is truly a great piece and coming from an Asian family myself, I understand the value they place on getting monetary returns for work. The conversation with AP resonated with similarity in my family. Writing does seem like an idle profession(if only they knew), very much like the starving artist, but if you think you have found your calling (your work is your testament), I think you definitely have--then plod on. You'll get there and stand tall. We're all rooting for u.
I'm glad you're enjoying the work you're doing now. Keep up the good work and on days, when I'm down and wondering why I can't keep away from writing (even though I'm not making much), I'll remember your advice--even if I don't find the pot of gold, I would have the enjoyment of running through the grassy knoll--and the view has been worth every step I take.
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And you were one of my first fans, wannabwestern. Remember the 55-word story? At it's peak, the responses were tremendous! You know you'll get a copy, signed by me...I loved how you said, "when" I get published, rather than, "if."
In the past, I've always worked with much more tenacity when I was angry rather than when I was giddy. What this person said to me only made me more serious about my resolve to get published. I've always believed that I will and that it's only a matter of time. Thank you and thanks for the encouragement as always.
Dohn you have 500+ fans saying we'll be proud to say "I knew him when." We love how you lay it on the line in every hub you write. I'm glad to be a fan and will demand you send me a signed copy of your book when you get it published. :D
Familial criticism can be the hardest to ignore, but your dreams are yours. People who are busy criticizing others' choices are usually not fully engaged or focused on their own dreams, or are merely trying to escape from their own problems. I was inspired by this hub and its personal nature. I've been there.
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OMG, AIDY! I almost peed in MY pants reading your comment! That's absolutely hilarious! Yeah, I can actually understand being unhappy for happy people. After I got kicked to the proverbial curb by my ex, I hated happy couples, as cruel as that may sound, because I envied them for being so damn happy. You know what they say--misery loves company (the cliche of the century if ever I heard one). You really are a friend AIDY. You sound so much better today :D
Thank you so much, "J." You know that we'll always be friends and that it's always a pleasure to hear from you. If I had more time, I'd actually read a lot more hubs than I already do just so I can support others that may need some encouragement. I know that sounds a bit campy, but it's the truth. Thank you so much for the compliment :D
Thanks, Mike. Yeah, I really do know how to survive on practically nothing. Living off of minimum wage was a challenge, but I discovered lots of ways to stretch my buck. Mind you, I still was able to entertain myself by going to see discounted movies once a week. Thank you very much for the encouragement. It really does mean a lot to me, Mike.
Yes dohn, follow your dreams, never give up. Keep at it and all power to you.
Since you are able to live frugally now, that is a big plus. It is the time needed to spend at work (whatever you need to do now to earn money) in order to put bread on the table and a roof over the head/s that seem to hinder most dreamers but that is reality. You seem to be well balanced in that respect. That is a good sign.
Mike.
You are a wonderful person and an excellent writer! All of us have dreams and I certainly know that you are going to achieve yours, if I can you can. My downfall on HP is that I read so much and forget to comment (lazy) but I love reading your hubs and this one is all about you I really truly enjoyed that. :)
Dohn--I had to come back and read this once more--it has become my daily affirmation of sorts! I cannot wait till you can show them that dreams do come true! I was told before that people can just hate you for just being happy--isn't that just the saddest thing, Dohn? Shouldn't it be the other way around?
I am happy for you Dohn--you show them!!! I will always be a fan and a good friend to you--in the good times when you are winning Oscars for your work, and in the bad times when you may be drunk from all the excitement of it all, and may pee your pants--shucks, I'd pee my pants too just so you would not be embarrassed alone--ok wait...peeing your pants may not be a cool thing to do...but I hope you understood what I meant. umm...yeah?
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Thank you for that, cally2. I hated the corporate life as it really was sleazy and place business before people. Yes, I see what you mean with this particular link! I believe that he's the best President we ever had. Thank you for commenting. I appreciate it.
When you are dealing with people who think that your life should be in a corporate box all you have to do is go and speak with some retired people, especially older men. Ask them if they have any regrets. I absolutely guarantee that not one of them will say "I wish I'd spent more time at the office". Go for your dreams. As for dealing with rejection check out this guy's life. He seemed to go pretty well in the end
http://www.historyplace.com/lincoln/index.html
It's failure of an event that leads to rejection not failure of a person.
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Thank you so much for that, Larry. I didn't know that tidbit about Jack London, whom I admire! Thank you for your insights and kind words. I'll be sure to keep them as motivation towards my goal of publishing. Folks like yourself are much of the reason why I believe I can do what I aspire to do. I really do appreciate it.
I once read that Jack London hung his Christmas tree with his rejection slips...rejection should be a motivator, a means to push harder, a challenge to your inner strength...success is going from failure to failure without losing one's enthusiasm...Thomas Edison has said " I have never failed at anything; I discovered 10,000 ways that don't work "....It all comes down to your own personal perspective ...Thanks for sharing your thoughts ( and dreams )... you have a beautiful heart and a beautiful way with words...both will sustain you in your quest to be published ... Larry
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Thank you for that, Angel. Yes, they are dream killers. They would much rather see you fail than see you succeed because to them, your dream is a threat. Thanks for following Revenge, Inc. Of course my next installment will be due Friday. I hope to see you there!
There is a name for these people, Dream Killers and they are.
They do it under the guise of I am trying to help you or the one I love the best, I'm your friend or I wouldn't tell you the truth..NOT! Your dreams are of course inside of you follow your heart always not people. I have been following your revenge series, it's great.
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Hey, HT. Thank you for that! The Rolling Stones sure do know a thing or two about making dreams come true. I appreciate the quote and I will not only hang onto my dreams, but make them come true :D Thank you, my friend.
Thank you so much for that, elisabethkcmo. It's my belief that A.P. is confined to his/her own system of trust and he/she doesn't trust what is not within reach. I really do think that things will work out because I refuse to quit. I appreciate all of the support I received while here at HubPages. I thank you.
Hello, Luciendasky. What a great story about your friend. In all of exists a dream and many of us keep it to ourselves. I can understand why your friend would want to share it with others (as I of course did so here) as reaching an epiphany in your life should be shared. But yes, of course there are others that don't want us to succeed, because they themselves are too cowardly to share with us their dreams and don't want us to one-up-them in any way. Are true friends want us to succeed and are enemies who are disguised as friends don't. Thanks so much for sharing that with me. I really do hope that you can get inspired and defeat your feelings of failure and succeed where others fail. Good luck to you!
Dohn121, I read your warning, then I read your hub. I am sorry that your family member is not being supportive. I had a friend who went through a similar situation. He was an artist and his dream was to open a successful t-shirt line. Everyone he told either made fun of him or said he was wasting his life.
So he stopped telling people. He had 2-3 friends that believed in him and helped him (glad to say I was one of them), and he eventually was able to sell his shirts in 3-4 shops around his town and is now looking into internet sales in the next couple years.
Whether this will end up a big flop - I don't know... but I do know that he told me one of the best decisions he made was to pick and choose who he told so that he would not become discouraged... and it looks like his dream is coming true.
I agree with you... my fear of regret outweighs rejection... my problem is that I still REALLY fear rejection... and sometimes it overwhelms me (not going to lie) Good for you on working that out and writing an excellent hub :)
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