Keep the dream alive

Today I found myself going over my list of 25 things that will make me a happier single, from one of my first posts: My List.

#19, Keep Dreaming and Don’t Give Up, jumped out at me.

You see my friends, keeping the dream alive is no easy feat.

I have gushed about all the glorious aspects of singlehood including free time, not having to worry about anyone else, eating grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner, free time, hanging out by yourself on a Friday night, and again, free time. But in all honesty, if I haven’t already given away my cover, I would like to find “the one” , get married, have a couple of cute kiddies and live happily ever after. Isn’t that really what everyone wants deep down? Maybe not, but I know there’s probably a good reason why people keep doing it over and over again.

So it can be frustrating when life doesn’t seem to be unfolding that way.

I watch my friends carry on with their husbands,  toddlers, preschoolers and beyond and sometimes I wonder if there’s something I’ve done wrong along the way? Maybe I missed my chance at love and happiness and don’t even know it. I know I’ve made mistakes but does that mean, I wonder, that my chances are all used up?

 Sometimes it’s hard not to believe that, but for the rest of the time I try to keep the dream alive.

A good friend reminded me a few months ago when I was in the depths of self-pity over my most recent break-up, that I should never stop dreaming. In an effort to be practical about my situation, I had admitted that I thought I may never find the right person and could spend the rest of my life alone.

“Well with that attitude you will!” she admonished.

I told her I was just trying to be realistic and prepare myself for the inevitable to which she responded: “Don’t ever stop dreaming!”

Thanks for that Lor. This one’s for you!

The sentiment stuck and it’s been floating around in my head ever since. Replaying those words has gotten me through some difficult patches of late and also helped me to see more clearly what could be a bright, sunny spot in my future.

As someone who I'm sure was important once said: If we don’t have our dreams, what else is there?