What do you think about people having dreams? If you have dreams, what are they (if you don't mind sharing!) and are you working towards making them happen?

I'm asking because I had one major dream after high school - I wanted to go live and work abroad.. However, my mum completely lost it when I told her. She wanted me to continue my education and in the end, I gave into her demands in order to keep the peace. Part of me has felt lost ever since

I ended up dropping out of school after a nervous breakdown and have worked massively in therapy and on my own to heal from repeated childhood and adolescent traumatization.. I feel I've come to a point where I'm supposed to decide where to go next in my life and this has brought on the memory of the last time I really knew what I wanted to do with my life and how unsupportive my mum was..

So, I'm wondering if it's OK to have dreams? I'm not stupid, I know that the reality of something I dream of could be completely different from what I had in mind, but at least, then I'd know! I think there must be a reason for the inner pull to choose a certain direction.. And even if it turns out bad in the end, things are never black and white and I'm sure everything we do teaches us something!

I feel I just need the freedom to follow what comes from within, but I'm unsure if that's completely stupid and not the way we're supposed to live our lives.. But if it's not, then I don't know where to go Then I'll have no map..

[Skeezyks]

Well, not.dead.yet, to paraphrase Bobby Burns: Ah but a man's (or woman's) dreams should exceed his grasp or what's a heaven for?

I think it's awesome that you have dreams, I think this could really help motivate you and if you draw up a sensible plan of action you can work towards it.

I never really had any dreams, I wanted a family, that's all, I achieved that.

Right now I'd like a bicycle, I haven't ridden since I was a kid and I'd like to have a bike and ride the tracks near my home. That's my dream.

Thank you both so much for replying! It feels good to receive support

[Yours_Truly]

Follow your dreams!

[LucyG]

Everyone needs something to look forward to which is where dreams come in.

Parents often want to hold on to their children so they try to minimize the child's dreams, interests and the like--I see this with a family member. It's too bad for the parent and child when the child isn't allowed to follow their dreams.

Take some steps towards doing what it is you want to. It doesn't have to be huge, just a start. If that's where you talents and interests are, you'll find yourself among people of like mind that will open up a whole new world to you.

I'll give you an example. My son got into mountain bike racing several years ago, and is now a very high ranked amateur racer on a team so a lot of his expenses are paid. He just finished within the top 5% of the highest ranked mountain bike race in the world 2 months ago, and first in a local race he had been hoping to win. This has been his passion for over 15 years, and his hard work is paying off. Some of the places they race is not where I'd like to see him riding, but I know that if I don't support him, it will damage our relationship. Hopefully as your mother sees you bloom as you find yourself, you'll support your endeavors.

[Aardwolf]

I've always seen dreams are where you subconscious has a field day with all the information you've accumulated during the day/week/month.. The other side of the coin is that it is where your mind can be completely unconstrained in what it wants.

My advice ? Follow your dreams as best you reasonably can - You've only got one chance on this rock.

Edit: - Ignore the first part