The Weekly Habit: Time to Dream

So a mentor of mine once confessed that she didn’t go to her high school reunions because she wanted her classmates to remember here just the way she was. And she wanted to remember them that way, too.

Though I plan to attend my 10th college reunion this year and mayhap my 15th high school reunion in 2010, I think I now understand how she feels. I decided to get back in contact with a few friends from my ESL teaching Japan days. It was alarming how many of them of were now married, some with children. It seemed the crazier the chyck was in Japan, the more likely they were to be settled down — including me!

It’s the cycle of life, yes, but the romantic in me can’t help but wonder if it’s nicer to remember us dancing in nightclubs til 5am, singing karaoke, drinking way too much Asahi, eating incredible sushi, and “snogging” random boys, forever and ever. Know what I mean?

So though I loved catching up with so many friends, I don’t think I’ll continue on with getting back in touch. Consider this habit UNKEPT.

But I think this week’s habit is definitely going to be a keeper.

Let’s talk about our dreams. Specifically, the thing you hope to do “one day.” The thing you think about every day on your way in to work.

Have you been letting life and obligations get in between you and your dreams? I know I have.

And this week, I would like to propose that we give our dreams 20 minutes of precious time every day. A lot of you took and successfully completed the reading challenge, and this is a lot like that. 20 minutes is a little inconvenient, but totally doable.

The worst part will be the fear and doubt. But for these 7 days, ignore the voices in your head, trying to tell you that actually putting an effort into your wildest dreams is just setting yourself up for disappointment. Way easier said than done, I know, but you can do it. I know you can.

Guidelines after the jump:

This Week’s Habit:
Pick a “dream” project. And dedicate at least 20 minutes a day to making it happen. For example if you want to write a book, start writing it. If you want to start painting, buy a book and start teaching yourself how to do so. If you want to go to Greece for a three-week holiday, make an action plan to get the time off, and start planning your trip. And so on and so on.

What You’ll Need:
ONE project. Very important that it’s only ONE, as you only have 20 minutes, and you’ll need to focus.

If You Have a Partner and/or Children:
I highly suggest blocking out your 20 minutes ahead of time, and letting your loved ones know that you won’t be available at this time everyday. Don’t feel guilty. They can spare you for 20 minutes.

Start Date:
Tuesday, September 30th

End Date:
Monday, October 6th

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Photo Credit: H. Kopp Delaney/flickr.com