When children are small, they dream of becoming famous singers, dancers and performers, professional athletes, astronauts, doctors, published authors and even the President of the United States. Well, why not? It never hurts to dream big and aim for the stars!!
Yesterday I watched a number of talented performers compete in the Bill Riley Talent show at the Iowa State Fair. Karissa and her partner, Brooke, had a successful year at area county fairs winning first place in both Winneshiek and Howard Counties and placing second in Fredericksburg as well. Because of their accomplishments, they were chosen to compete at the Iowa State Fair. I would say simply having the honor of performing on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage is a major accomplishment and I am very proud of the girls!! The girls should also be proud of their own accomplishments and proud of their hard work, courage and talent ... but they should keep aiming for those stars as well ... and a first place win next year at the Iowa State Fair!
Throughout the summer, I have enjoyed watching a number of talented and brave performers attempting to tackle their dreams. Whether officially winning or losing, all of these performers are winners of some sort ... destined for greatness ... achievers at attempting to reach their goals ... at facing their fears ... trying their hardest to do their best at the things they enjoy ... and inspiring others to have the courage to do the things that they dream of as well. You never know, the singer that sang off key because she was scared, may be the next American Idol ... the gymnast that lost her balance and fell may learn how to pick herself up and continue on when she fails ... and the dancer that continuously places second or even sixth may learn that life does not always work out as you planned and be determined to work even harder each time. These performers are ALL winners ... even if it is simply at finding a pride in knowing that they gave their dreams a shot.
In my opinion, one key to aiming for the stars is remembering to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground as you climb up that mountain! So you want to become a major league baseball player ... well by all means aim for it ... but always remember to keep "realistic" ideas in check as well. It is important to continue your education (maybe you can be a walk-on for the college baseball team). In the end, if you don't quite make it as a major league star, you may have at least managed to climb up a mountain to be a successful coach, or sports writer, or a farmer who plays softball in his spare time ... or perhaps you may be the best parent coach for your son or daughter's little league team some day! Those would all be successes to be proud of!
To speak from experience, for an English class my sophomore year in high school, we each wrote a hypothetical letter to ourselves about 15 or 20 years after graduation. In my letter, I indicated that I was happily married, had two children and lived on the beach front. I was a famous, published novelist and was well on my way writing a book of poems. Well, in reality, it is now just over 20 years since I graduated from high school. I am happily married and have two children. I am in the process of publishing my first coffee table book, have written a plethora of poems and have begun writing a blog to share with the world. I do not live on the beach front (though I have visited it at least) and the Turkey River runs not too far away from my house. :) Although I am certainly not a famous, published novelist (yet), I would say I have succeeded at climbing at least a small mountain.
So my advice to you is simple. Keep aiming for the stars ... find your passion ... live your passion (whatever makes you happy.) Climb up the mountain ... you can do it ... you just have to give it a try! Don't let anyone tell you that you can't or that your dreams are silly or unattainable! Although you will win some and lose some, it always pays to keep on trying ... don't give up! If it is your passion, keep aiming for those stars with your head held high and your feet firmly planted on the ground. With each step, you will be that much closer to the top of the mountain and ultimately closer to the stars ... I know in my heart you can do it ... you just have to believe ...
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