Chasing Your Own Dreams

As I was reading the Wednesday edition of USA today, August 8, 2007 about Barry Bonds becoming the home run king with his 756th career shot, I envisioned the thoughts that were going on in his mind, body and spirit. Was he a "Proud Man Standing" is the question that one might ask? Of course, there is only one answer to this...the answer must be "YES." This was the moment that not only Barry Bonds was waiting for but the entire World was waiting to see happen. Breathlessly...those who watch sports have been anxiously waiting for that moment in time when one human being surpasses another with might, power and passion.

The response to this great feat from Hank Aaron, received via videotape was: "I send congratulations to Barry Bonds on becoming Baseball's Career home run leader. I have been privileged to hold this record for 33 years. My hope today, as it was on the evening in 1974, is that the achievement of this record will inspire others to chase their own dreams.

"Chase their own dreams" is a statement, an affirmation, an inspirational thought, idea, concept and dream that has alluded so many of us. How about you? Have you allowed your dreams to allude you? Do you care? Does it mean anything to you? The questions can go on and on. We humans are good at that.

Wishing, dreaming, hoping, wishing, expecting, praying, wishing for something...someone... to save us...help us...give to us.

Believe me when I say these words, because I understand this is the hope and dreams of most of us and the questions that I receive on a regular basis. Am I going to get married? Am I going to get the right job? Am I going to become a millionaire? Am I going to get well? Am I going to be happy?

All great leaders, I am sure had asked themselves those questions over and over again in their lives. The only difference between a great athlete or leader and you and me is that he/she has acted on his/her hopes, his/her dreams, his/her wishes, his/her desires. To become an extraordinary person, you cannot sit back and hope and dream and wish and desire. You must become an active participant in your life. You must step up to the challenge! You must agree to do your work! You must face the obstacles! You must search for the opportunities. Never once did an extraordinary person loose sight of his or her goal.

The focus is always on the goal. The vision - the mission.

Where do you place your focus daily? How badly do you want to achieve your goals? I, myself have faced many challenges in my life and believe me when I say that the challenges follow you daily. The difference between being "Extraordinary" and simply "Ordinary" on a daily basis is your mind set.

Do you have a vision - a mission that you sincerely and seriously want to follow and achieve? Well... what is standing in your way?

Make today the first day of your new way of thinking. Be proud of who you are and where you are going. Make a plan... know your purpose...listen to your messages...follow your heart and fulfill your dreams. Nothing is impossible to those who believe. Be a believer in you. Get to know your inner most thoughts. Believe that what ever you want is possible. Set your intention. Accept the challenges that face you daily and know that all challenges bring forth opportunities. Please do not be afraid of the unknown..."for the unknown of today is the glory of the known for tomorrow." Be adventurous! Make life fun...not a burden. When you make the mind set to seek adventure and reject the feelings of burdensome and overload...magic happens. It is all in the mind set. Where is your mind today?

Are you willing to chase your dreams? I don't know about you, my dear friends...but I for one am in the driver seat and I am going full throttle ahead. I am willing to do my work. I am physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually getting in shape to jump the hurdles, trudge through the muddy waters, and climb the mighty mountains. I have a vision...I have a goal...I have set my intention. I am a winner. Follow my story as so many have followed the stories of all the great athletes and leaders of the world because I am ready to make history. I hope you, too, are preparing to do the same.

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Chasing Your Own Dreams
By Joan Marie Whelan