Never Give Up on Your Dream

What did you dream about as a kid – back when you thought anything was possible? Before the ‘real job’, the mortgage, and the mouths to feed. Before all those grown-up responsibilities. What was your ‘someday’ dream?

As far back as I can remember, I dreamed of being on stage. I had an abnormal obsession with anything ‘Hollywood’. Even when I played with Barbies, my Barbie was on a make-shift stage, performing in one way or another.

In many ways, my dream has come true. I traveled to Hollywood – 4 times in fact. I had a taste of being on TV when I hosted the show Neat, and I still do guest appearances on TV now and then. I even get to stand on stage when I speak, giving keynotes and workshops.

Maybe it’s because I was given my dream that I feel so sad when someone dies with their dream still inside of them – it truly makes my heart bleed. Some people have long given up on their dreams while others have forgotten them. Perhaps burying them eases the pain. But I wonder, do you ever really forget or does the memory return to haunt you just before you take your last breath?

I’m an avid viewer of talent shows like The Voice, X-Factor and American Idol (although I do admit to recording them and fast-forwarding the commercials, otherwise watching all of them would be a full-time job!). I enjoy them because I am moved, often to tears, when I see people of all ages and backgrounds fiercely and fearlessly going after their dreams. And for many, seeing those dreams come true.

I believe that whether the dream comes true or not, going for it eliminates regrets. There is something to be said for at least trying.

“When the world says, “Give up,”
Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time.’ “

~ Unknown

Do you have a ‘someday’ dream? It’s not too late. If you are reading this, you still have time. Take just one little step towards pursuing your dream, even if it’s to simply remember it and then imagine it coming true. Look for individuals that can guide, mentor and support you as you then take bigger steps. As a starting point, please share your dream and your thoughts on this topic, in the comment section below.

26 Comments

  1. Hiromi on November 29, 2012 at 12:34 pm

    I enjoyed this article so much. And ironicallhy I was just looking at the Dream Boards, my daughter and I did a while ago after reading Your article about creating Dream Boards!

    My dream as a child was like yours. I was a “latchkey” kid and watched ALOT of television. I always wanted to be on TV and do commercials. Well the bulk of my acting work is commercials! I also always wanted to do animation and I’m working on a series now. And I always wanted to be a Princess…….. well I played a Princess for a Video game 🙂

    When I was younger, I also dreamed of going to DisneyWorld, but our family couldn’t afford. I never thought of going until I had my own daughter and we went a couple of times already. I even write about it too!!

    Dreams do come true! Sometimes not when we want it to and many times when we least expect it 😉



    • Hellen Buttigieg on November 29, 2012 at 12:55 pm

      Hiromi, thanks for sharing your amazing journey with us. You know, I too was a latch key kid and watched a lot of TV – but I never put two and two together until I read your comment. I guess that played a big role in my Hollywood obsession. As a small child, did you ever wonder how all those people lived in that small box (TV) or was it just me?



  2. Jeff Anderson on November 29, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    Wow, Helen. It’s good to be reminded how our dreams do come true. I want to write fiction and none of it has been published yet, but my professional books for teachers sell well, and allow me to be a consultant–yes, I wanted to be an actor too. And I, like you, give keynotes and get to be myself. It’s freeing to open up your mind and notice how your dreams are coming true. And, of course, stay open to the next right thing. Maybe this is the year my fiction gets published. But it won’t happen unless I show up and write it.

    (LOVED you on Neat btw. Miss it!)



    • Hellen Buttigieg on November 29, 2012 at 1:27 pm

      Jeff, I’m so happy to hear that your dream to become a writer has come true. I know so many people who want that too. By the way, if you need some help overcoming procrastination when it comes to writing, let me know (email me) and I will be happy to discuss how I can help you. I have a method I’ve used with great success which dissolves resistance for so many of my coaching clients. I want to see that novel not only published but on the New York Times Bestseller List!



  3. Artemyse on November 29, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    Hi Hellen
    dreams… aaahhh… I so have many and your post today was really on time for me because since a few weeks I must be full time in my 40’s syndrom! I so feel like I did not achieve what I wanted but thinking about it I’m not so out of it!?!!! As a child I wanted to be a vetenarian. Did not make it to University in veterian studies but I went as an Animal Health Technician and worked as one for alsmost 8 years. I had to change for health issues (allergies :S) but I went in the direction of my second dream. I’m currently working as an architect and younger I wanted to design rooms and houses. 😉 And my third dream is to be an artist. A few years ago, with a friend, I started a compagny in handmade arts. This year we started posting on Facebook and CraftCafé. We did not sell yet but it’s a start. Like you mentionned on your post : ‘Try it one more time’! Thanks for the boost in hope! (hope my english is readable)



    • Hellen Buttigieg on November 29, 2012 at 1:51 pm

      Artemyse, it sounds to me like you are doing really well with living your dreams! And you bring up a really great point – we can have more than one ‘dream job’. Also, when things don’t work out, it’s for a reason – to lead us to the next dream or help us fulfill our ultimate purpose. Thanks for sharing (and yes,your English is just fine).



  4. Crista on November 29, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    Wow, this article definitely hits home!! As far back as I can remember I’ve always had a natural talent to organize! My mom would tell me to stop organizing my room! Lol

    As college approached, if I knew there was such a thing… I totally would have gone down that route! I am now in a transitional period in my life where I am finishing up massage therapy but it’s not my first passion…like organizing. Maybe it’s time to figure out a way to get there?! Any suggestions Hellen?! Smile

    My other dream is to get my BA in education… And teach children and go speak at conventions to parents and children the importance of actually LEARNING the material not just memorizing it!! I wish someone taught me that!!! I cant hear out of my left ear, maybe that’s a huge factor….. Regardless, every one deserves the very best education!! If I choose between the two… I would love to hire a personal tutor full time for even a few months!! And go and get my BA!! then organize!!! Lol Thanks for the great article!!! Maybe I need to do just that! Hum… Now how to pay for that?!! Lol



    • Hellen Buttigieg on November 29, 2012 at 1:44 pm

      Crista, you don’t necessarily have to choose between the two. Maybe the organizing can help pay for the education. Just a thought. When I first started organizing, I just considered it a way to raise funds for my coaching training – it was never meant to be a career, and yet look what happened. Now I’m doing both, organizing and coaching. So I encourage you to think outside the box; it’s not always one or the other, sometimes you can have both! Keep us posted on how you are doing.



  5. Crista on November 29, 2012 at 1:54 pm

    That is a great point!! I have organized for many friends and family members but it seems like in this economy it’s very hard to find individuals who are willing to pay and then take the time out themselves to do that.

    What would u suggest I start doing? Getting a portfolio organized of my previous jobs? Business cards? Go door to door?

    I’m open to suggestions girl! Thanks for the quick response!! I just love helping people and creating a calm and organized environment:)



    • Hellen Buttigieg on November 29, 2012 at 2:41 pm

      Crista, let’s set up a time to talk by phone as it’s difficult to answer all your questions here. I’ll email you.



  6. Marie on November 29, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    Hi Hellen,

    This article has come at a time when I am re-assessing my work life. As I sit here between jobs, I have realized that I have three dreams which don’t necessarily conflict with each other: 1) I would love to be a professional photographer, 2) I would love to resume traveling the world to fulfill my love of history (I have a B.A. in the subject), and 3) I would really like to write.

    Although I can see that all three dreams are not mutually exclusive, my fear is that at the age of 53, can I start something new again? Money is an issue (especially now) as my Freedom 55 is now heading towards Freedom 95. Where do I start? How do I get the bills paid in the interim? Not only is age a potential factor, I really have difficulty in selling myself. It’s been an issue all my life. I know that some people can sell a drowning man a glass of water, but I would not be able to sell the poor fellow a life preserver…..I have had marketing training, but without a portfolio of photos or published writings, how can I even start?

    Not to mention, everything in my dreams is expensive (wouldn’t you just know?). Cameras are expensive, traveling is expensive, and so on…..

    I think it’s all these nagging questions and costs that keep holding me back from realizing any of my three dreams. I just don’t know where to begin to answer them, and then I return the dreams into a back drawer in my brain as I get another unfulfilling job.

    By the way, I really miss “Neat”! Although I am a neat freak (and I am proud of it!), I was always able to get some really good ideas from the show.

    Cheers!



    • Hellen Buttigieg on November 29, 2012 at 2:48 pm

      Marie, it’s easy to get caught up in the details – the ‘how’, and then get overwhelmed by what seems like insurmountable obstacles. Believe me, I’ve been there. My suggestion, based on what has worked for me and hundreds of clients I have coached, is to take some kind of action, one step at a time. You never know what kind of support will serendipitously appear along the way when you take that leap of faith.



    • Kim on November 30, 2012 at 5:26 pm

      Marie; You have some wonderful dreams listed there!! Boy, do I understand getting caught up in the details. I have felt stuck for a long time and have drove myself crazy over the years trying to figure it out. Forcing. Thinking. Planning. So, a friend has recently got me onto meditation. He has changed his life dramatically from one of waitering late nights for years to one of being a full time artist living off the sales of his paintings, his days filled with what he loves (and he’s not a starving artist either). I’m still in progress and new to meditation. He said “Imagine how success and freedom and doing what you love would FEEL. Meditate on how amazing that would FEEL for you. Don’t focus on the details, the how or the material things. Just FEEL it so you start to change your mindset from deep down. This will help you recognize, sense and trust your intuition when you do come in contact with situations and people who may lead to a next positive step towards your goal. It’s similar to making dream boards which help you visually recognize when you see something that’s in synch with your dreams, but it’s a daily ritual or practise to change your inner vibration. As well, The Artist’s Way is a terrific 12 week work book that can get you into forward motion and I hear, The Firestarter Sessions is also a great book to do. All the best!



  7. Christina on November 29, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    I always wanted to be an author as a child. I like being creative. Trying my hands on many creative projects (wood-working, knitting, crochet, podcasts) easily creates clutter which in return makes it harder to be creative, that’s why I love your show! Unfortunately I think I have seen every episode meanwhile, too bad there are no new ones:)
    Luckily I was able to quit my job this year and work on my own, publishing mobile apps. I think for now I enjoy creating mobile apps and games more than writing, but I still hope I will publish a gripping novel one day:)



  8. Zen on November 29, 2012 at 6:47 pm

    Hi Helen,

    I love this article. And I love getting newsletters from you in my inbox. They always brighten up my day. I dream of becoming a full-time professional organizer. I did a couple of jobs but due to circumstances and not enough training I had to stop. But I dream of someday pursuing it.



  9. Diane on November 29, 2012 at 7:44 pm

    I had 2 dreams – one was to be on stage and one was to write. I am in a position where I have to speak to groups of people – like being on stage! As for the writing – its time to move that dream to the front burner and get a move on!



    • Hellen Buttigieg on November 29, 2012 at 7:49 pm

      Diane, I’m starting to see a trend forming – those 2 dreams are pretty popular! Glad to hear you are inspired to get your writing moving – very cool.



  10. Celia on November 30, 2012 at 7:52 am

    Dreams can come true — and it’s (almost) never too late to start. At 60 I took up horseback riding! I hear women much younger than me bemoaning how they would like to ride, but oh their aching knees, their age, their limitations. Eight years later I’m still riding (dressage) and still loving it. Do I have aches and pains? You bet! But what an adventure, and what an endlessly fascinating creature the horse is (who knew?). I could still be sitting at home in my armchair–stiff joints and all–wishing I’d taken riding lessons.



  11. Helen on November 30, 2012 at 8:19 am

    Dreams are funny things. For years I did a job I disliked but paid the bills ( my husband is unable to work).
    When that job was pulled out from under me it was a huge blessing.
    I went back to school for six months, loved the course, did wonders for my confidence and worked in that field for a year, but went on to try a couple things since.
    Right now I work at a small convenience store in the summer, that allows me to spend my time off at our small cottage with the most amazing yard and lake to enjoy.
    This winter I am back at our house and working at a small bakery ( it dawned on me the other day that I had actually wanted to move away when I was 18 and work in a bakery. At that time I was more into decorating cakes, but this is close enough for me, working on the wonderful baking and serving lunches.)
    Next I am off for a wonderful adventure. I have saved up and for my 50th birthday and to celebrate our 30th Anniversary ( which was this month) I have booked a trip to Kauai for 3 weeks. I will get to do my photography that I love ( I am part of a small co-operative art gallery where I now sell my photos). I will get to go on all kinds of sight seeing adventures. I am planning on kayaking ( something I started doing 10 years ago which I love and would like to pursue as a sideline) and paddleboarding which I started this year and have totally fallen in love with and I would love to bring that to our area as well.
    I have many more dreams that I want to see come true, sometimes I find I get caught up in the cost and how I can afford to do it, but when I write down what I have already managed to do with limited budgets and sometimes just plain luck, I am so very fortunate.
    I also saw and still see many people that pass away never seeing any of their dreams come true and I am determined to never do that to myself. If it doesn’t work this year, I will just have to keep trying.
    Thanks for helping me remember what dreams I have already managed to see come true and get busy at making the rest happen.



    • Hellen Buttigieg on November 30, 2012 at 9:25 am

      Helen, what a great reminder that everything happens for a reason and for ultimately our greater good – even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time. It looks to me that you have a ‘whatever it takes’ attitude when it comes to living the life of your dreams. I appreciate your attitude and authenticity – thanks for sharing.



  12. Jeff Tirrell on November 30, 2012 at 8:50 am

    Such an inspiring piece…thank you. Sometimes we all need that reminder that as long as we are still here drawing breath on this earth, we can still grow and attain dreams, even those that are decades-long. As a youngster I always wanted to get into broadcasting, but I feel far too shy to step and really go after it. That courage didn’t come until after I was out of school, but since then I’ve enjoyed a 25-year career doing what I dreamed of doing so many years ago. I have so much more I want to do, “many miles to walk before I sleep”. I shall try.



  13. Robin on November 30, 2012 at 3:29 pm

    I really loved your article and want to share a story that proves it’s never too late. My mother dropped out of college after 2 years to get a job and support my dad while he finished school. Growing up, we often heard how much she loved school. No matter where we lived, she always managed to find a way to take a college class or two, all while raising 9 children. About 8 years ago, after she was widowed for a second time, we went back to her hometown for a family reunion. We secretly arranged a trip to her old college where we had a tour and they presented her with old school newspapers and yearbooks. When she told them how much she loved school, they encouraged her to go back and get the degree she had dreamed about for so long. It took a little convincing to get her to realize she could do it, but she took the plunge and went back. Last year, at the age of 87 she walked across the stage to thunderous applause to receive her diploma. She taught all of us that there is no expiration date on your dreams.



    • Hellen Buttigieg on November 30, 2012 at 3:55 pm

      Robin, what a moving story – I have tears in my eyes. Give your mom a hug and a kiss from me and tell her she’s amazing! Thank you for driving home the point: It’s never too late to realize a dream!



      • Kim on November 30, 2012 at 5:31 pm

        Wow Robin. Tears in my eyes as well. Thank you for sharing such a motivational, heart-warming story. And thank you Hellen for this terrific topic! I love your newsletters & have passed on the link to many friends & family. I too, miss your show Neat. Warmly, Kim



  14. Shane on December 1, 2012 at 11:34 am

    This is a great article and I love all the stories and comments its very inspiring
    My dreams changed as I grew up and that is ok but part of old dreams stayed with me as part of me and who I am and have expressed themselves in different ways. What I struggle with in my 40s is that I have never really found my true calling. I think I know and it scares me as it involves huge life changes that many people would not support or understand. It also is so tough in an economy where it is so hard to takes risks. I feel stuck but this has helped me to be more open to thinking about risks and following your heart fully