Beautiful Dreamer

I am an avid Facebooker. Though I have not entered the realm of addiction, I do look at it every day to stay abreast of the happenings in the lives of those in Kentucky, Chapel Hill, and other places where my friends and family have moved on. Today, I ran across the following quote in the status of my friend, Jennifer:

‎"Never let your memories be greater than your dreams."

I had already planned to share my dreams list today; so, when I ran across this quote, I found it very applicable. As I've worked to establish my "bucket list," I've often found that I revel a lot on the past. I think of the experiences I had at WKU, how many great relationships I've had, and how my roots are in Kentucky. There are many times that I have been adamant about returning there as soon as possible. However, are my memories outweighing my dreams? In all honesty, I have amazing memories in Bowling Green, but will a future there ever measure up to what I had in my past? What is there for me? If we were to go back, would I be limiting myself and my family?

While we have lived in North Carolina, we have had the opportunity to expose our daughter to so many experiences and different people. We have completely changed out eating habits and made a positive lifestyle change. I am strongly considering a PhD or EdD upon the completion of my husband's degree. I know there is only one university in that area. But, how do we move past being that beautiful dreamer and "wake unto" our bigger--and likely better--dreams? [A little trivia for you... Beautiful Dreamer was written by Stephen Foster, the same man who penned My Old Kentucky Home]

So, as you can tell, I've been thinking a lot about my future lately. I know that I have been blessed with an awesome family and some talents in the area of education, teaching, and learning. My hope is that I can magnify these talents in the dreams that I hope to achieve. While the following is not an exhaustive list, here are a few of the items that I'd like to see accomplished in my lifetime:

• Have a second child
• Establish a consistent exercise routine for lifetime fitness.
• Be consistent in my daily scripture study and personal prayers.
• Earn a PhD or EdD
• Travel to London with my husband.
• Own a home with a bay window and a front porch (preferably a wrap-around)
• Travel to all six continents (Antarctica doesn't count because it's too friggin' cold)
• Run/walk a marathon.
• Go to culinary school.
• Have my brother be genuinely happy.
• See each of my children graduate, get married in the temple, and have children of their own.
• Learn to sew.
• Learn to garden and can.
• Read a new book per month.
• Take the Abbey Road pic (but I must be Paul)
• Write a memoir
• Schedule and attend monthly temple trips
• Learn a foreign language (well enough to speak)
• Learn to like seafood (it's supposed to be so good for you)
• Live near my brother-in-law and sister-in-law; near water makes it even better!
• Create a new family tradition
• Take a dance class
• Become a life coach/dream coach (this is a new interest but I think I'd like to pursue it)
• Go to the Sacred Grove
• Volunteer at least an hour of my time to helping someone else (weekly and outside of normal duties)

While I am sure there are many more that I can list, I'll stop for now. Give your dreams some consideration. What's holding you back? Pick one to work on and we can be accountability buddies! I have a lot of practical dreams but I need to work on the "Dream Big" piece. I'll keep you updated as I add to my list.