Customize Your Dreams

        When you build your dream house, you don't just go to the hardware store and then start building; a lot of planning goes into it first. How many bedrooms will you need? Do you want a porch and a finished basement? Carpet or hardwood? Do you want the kitchen in the front of the house or in the back of the house? These, along with hundreds of other choices, go into the original architectural plans.
        Why shouldn't we build our dream life like we would build our dream house; with a comprehensive plan? If you assume your contractor, architect, mom or employer can predict your tastes, preferences and objectives, then you will be sorely disappointed. Every time. Nobody can make your dreams happen but you. No one person in this world is the same, so you have to be your own advocate and customize your own life. We each have our own strengths and weaknesses that can't be changed. All we can do is figure out who and what we are and then learn to work with it. 
        How are you supposed to create that loving relationship, that fulfilling job or that incredible living situation if even you don't know what it would look like? Perfect does not exist, but perfect *for you* does. Of course, your dreams and goals will change over time. After all, it isn't often that a house ends up being built exactly to the plans. A homeowner will see something else along the way and add it in, they'll decide they want another closet or they'll choose a different shingle color. That is the beauty of choice, but a detailed blueprint is where every beautiful ending begins. 
        What does your dream house look like? Personally, I want my dream house to be safe. I want to have enough, but not too much. I want to be prepared in case disaster strikes. For the same reason, I want to be insulated with love at all times. I want to be kept warm if the heat shuts off. I want to have space for my loved ones, should they need an escape. I want to feel happy and relaxed so I can cook healthy meals for myself and others. I want to grow flowers and food. I want room for activities, games and exercise with fresh air and nature all around me. I want to find solace in times of misfortune. I want to travel the world and then come home to reflect on my adventures quietly and comfortably. None of this is possible unless I create an environment for myself that facilitates my preferred way of living.
        So, better yet, what does your dream LIFE look like? It won't come and find you, so you have to take the initiative, make a plan, go out and get it. The opportunities that arise when you know what you want are endless. Grab a notebook and write it down; not tomorrow or someday, right now. Draw a blueprint, make a collage, jot down a list or type up a script of what you want your life to look like. Make necessary changes along the way and keep moving; one small step at a time. If you don't know what you want yet, it's never too late to challenge and learn about yourself until you figure it out.
        While you have your pen out, try writing down 10 things you're grateful for today. In dreaming big, never forget to think and thank about what you're already lucky to have!

"If you don't know what you want, you'll end up with a lot you don't."