I’m watching Good Morning America and Dolly Parton is the guest. She’s closing the show with a song, how appropriate. The song captures the thought I’ve been thinking a lot about over the past few weeks. The song is titled “Celebrate the Dreamer in You”. What is it about a dream that keeps us going when facing a life disruption?
I just finished the first draft of my doctoral dissertation. It was a study where I interviewed artists facing chronic and life-threatening illness and they all shared one important characteristic. They all had a dream for their life and their art. There was a unanimous devotion to creating work that would continuously inspire and bring beauty to the world while telling their stories.
What interrupts our dreaming process? I’m not talking about the dreams we experience during sleep, but the dreams that create a path to the future? Facing a chronic or life-threatening illness may certainly edit that dream, but isn’t it important to keep dreaming? What is it that moves you forward on your journey to health and healing?
I believe what Dolly Parton was singing about was the importance of holding on to those idea and ideals that bring joy to your life. She gave a commencement speech to a university and was hesitant thinking she wasn’t smart enough, but she’s intelligent, successful, and wise beyond her years. The dream is what educates her because when we dream we look for ways to live those dreams.
What do you need to learn about overcoming a health challenge? Do your dreams include learning about your own body, mind, and spirit connection? How will you incorporate those nuggets of wisdom into your life?
I hope you find ways to celebrate the dreamer in you!
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 