Your Dreams Are Too Big.

“Your dreams are too big.”

You may be thinking, how could anyone say that to another person? It’s like an insult.

However, people hear it all the time.

When we are small, we are told that “You can be anything you want.” So, we choose the astronaut, the firefighter, leader of the free world, a superhero that flies, etc.  There’s even posters  in every classroom; saying “Reach for the Stars!” “Be Yourself!”.Change the World!”

It’s ironic though, how the kid that wants to do things a little differently, they may want to color outside the lines, or notice that you can gather the basketballs outside easier using a hula hoop, gets scolded.  “That’s not how you do it!”

Or the kid that wants to be a writer, gets told that there is no money in writing, while reading Harry Potter, written by an author worth more than a billion dollars.

Or the eccentric child that wants to be a movie star, so they act dramatic and sing loudly.  However, they are told to be quiet, sit still, and PAY ATTENTION. Which is another way of saying, “Dim your light please.”

As we grow into adults, “Dim your light please” shows up in all kinds of ways.

“You will never make any money doing that.”

“That will never work out, just cut your losses”

“That’s a crazy idea! Why don’t you just get a real job.”

“Please, just stick to the script.”

Check all boxes.

Dim. Your. Light.

However, our light is what makes us special, and ultimately guides us to what we really want to do in life.  It shines on ideas and people that make us happy. And, the best part is that no two are the same.

The people that tell you to dim your light, are the same people that don’t understand how bright theirs can shine too. They may be fearful that the light that shines on your dreams will cast a shadow on theirs.  So, they tell you to dream smaller.  So they can be more comfortable. However, they have it all wrong.

Never be afraid that your light is too bright or your dreams are too big.  And next time you hear a version of “You dream too big”, ask them to share the biggest dream they ever had for themselves.

You may catch a glimmer of their light too.