Are you living your childhood dream or adult dream?
“What’s your childhood dream?”
I was asked this question by my friend over lunch a year back.
I paused and bring the small town 8-year-old girl to mind.
I am already living my childhood dream!
I was a simple girl.
At 6 or 8 years old, my dream is to be an independent corporate woman.
I would imagine that my bedroom is my “apartment”.
I would pretend that I have my work handbag (my mom’s bag) and role played that I just came back from the “office”.
I felt successful and happy.
I wanted to have my own car, own place to stay, and a high-flying career.
So, in many ways, I am already living my childhood dream for years and I am grateful.
What I didn’t truly pause and inquire was – what’s my adult dream?
I had the desire to do something different yet I feel that I should just stay in my lane.
I felt that I was a bit too “greedy” to want something more since I already have a role that is intellectually stimulating and pays well.
You are already living your childhood dream! What more do you want?
I wanted to do something more meaningful – so I continued to find meaning at work.
Yes, it did help but I still wasn’t listening within – what’s my adult dream?
I asked this question but I wasn’t listening well. I was holding on to my childhood dream.
When I started to really listen, my adult dream has changed.
In my teenage years, career meant doing something impressive in the corporate world, not really knowing what.
In my early 20s, I wanted badly to be in “prestigious” organizations such as investment banking and consulting. I wanted to be young, rich and famous (the Mark Zuckerberg effect)
In my mid-20s, I wanted to explore becoming a teacher or coach yet there was still so much to learn in my corporate role.
In my late 20s, I am still very engaged at work but the corporate role and status do not hold such a high place in my heart anymore.
In my early 30s, I wanted to do something that sparked joy within and gives me opportunity to connect deeply with others.
I no longer need to be super rich. I am contented.
My safety and basic needs are met.
I don’t have to climb the ladder for the sake of climbing it anymore.
I am more interested to pursue my purposeful work, and actualizing my potential and gifts.
This served as a guide for me to chart what’s next for me. I started my coaching business, I enrolled back to study Masters in Counselling.
I feel comforted to know that my path doesn’t have to be carved in stone. I can pivot and create a fulfilling life as I grow and age.
Perhaps one day, my dream is to just spend quality time with my family, write a book, and do flower arrangements.
Or, I would miss the corporate life and head back.
Who knows? I am embracing the possibilities.
Pause & ask yourself – what’s your adult dream now? What inspires you now?
By dream, it doesn't have to be work work. It can be spending more time doing things that you love doing or even exploring things that you have been thinking about.
If you are living your childhood dream and loving it, I am celebrating with you!
If you have set aside your childhood dream and it still matters deeply to you, I would urge you to give it a chance and take 1 tiny step towards it! You don't have to switch career paths - start small. Perhaps picking up a brush to start painting or start cycling around the neighborhood.
If your childhood dream no longer resonates, give yourself permission to embrace what sparks joy for you now. Not 5 years ago, not 10 years ago.
You can consciously create a life that feels fulfilled from within. I know you can.
PS: If you are interested in gaining clarity and courage to pursue your purposeful work & life, I am here for you. Apply for a free coaching discovery session and let’s explore what’s possible.
PPS: If you resonate with this reflection and find it helpful, share this with your friends and family. They can choose to subscribe to the upcoming newsletters here.
Love,
TJ
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