What is created is first imagined. If we are anything from birth, we are dreamers, creators, and problem solvers. What is your dream? What are you creating? What problems are you trying to solve?
May we always be among the company of dreamers.
Where missing pieces are found.
And abundance abounds.
Dreams Are Alive and Well
On a recent weekend getaway I met an enthusiastic dream builder. His name was Larry. He was our waiter, and “experience” creator. Larry had an enthusiastic smile and high energy. There was definitely a power propelling him.
In the course of our interaction, as we normally do, we try to learn a bit about the people we interact with, especially servers. We always aim for the heart: What is your dream? Larry wasted no time in telling us he wants to be a writer. He enjoys writing poetry and proudly shares that one of his poems has been published. He even said it was proof to him that he has talent in this area.
He shared a story of how his grandmother taught him so many wonderful things about life. She so inspired him that he wants to write a book about her. She so influenced him that he wants to influence others. He wants others to see beautiful and positive things in life.
As we dug a little deeper, we learned that a friend of his has been encouraging him to do more promotion. Like most young dreamers, it seems like promotion is something to be concerned with way down the road. We are still exploring our craft! How can we promote today? Yet, he totally understands why his friend is getting him to think beyond today and prepare for tomorrow — a time when people will know his name, read his books, and want to know more about him.
As we finished our meal, I thought about ways I could invest in Larry. The two ways that came to mind in this circumstance was a generous tip and to ask for his autograph.
I suppose most people would feel odd signing an autograph when they aren’t known yet, they’re just beginning on their journey. But Larry was different. Larry knew exactly why I was asking him for his autograph. He understood that I could see the vision of where he was going, and he was confident he would get there. Therefore, he happily obliged my request for his autograph.
What I Observed
I enjoy encounters with people like Larry. They help me see the principles and practices of dream building expressed in unique ways. In our short encounter that only lasted a sum of ten minutes I was able to connect his words with the key aspects of dream building:
He clearly felt his calling (by taking action).
He defined his purpose (to inspire others).
He has a dream (writing ).
He has strong belief (verbally affirmed his dream. Collects evidence such as getting published).
He has a plan (write a book about his grandmother).
He is working on becoming known (a friend is encouraging him to think long term)
He has support (family and friends).
Larry might not have all the pieces of the puzzle put together yet, but he was following the right principles. I know it’s only a matter of time before he gets the practices down.
We Are Investors
If you ever want proof that you can influence others, just listen to the testimony of people who had great influences in their lives. Larry’s grandmother invested in him.
Not everyone responds to our investments quickly. It might take a lifetime to appreciate. But every good thing we share with others has a good effect.
Together We Grow
Although Larry doesn’t know it, listening to him share his passion, progress, and plans helped me. He gave me practice on purposeful listening. He reminded me that dreams are still alive. He encouraged me to keep inspiring others.
Finally
Dreams are still alive. We may get discouraged from time to time. But if we are living our purpose, the right people will come into our life to encourage us to keep moving forward and believe in our dreams.
To your success!
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