“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” – Oprah Winfrey
Local actor, Steven Szydlo, dropped by Mrs. Glusac’s first grade class at El Rincon Elementary first-grade ask two questions. First, he asked the students to write down what they wanted to be when they grow up. Szydlo then asked the students to write down what they would act like if they had that job. He wanted the students to imagine what it would be like to live their dream job. Finally, the students took turns acting like their chosen profession in front of the classroom. The rest of the class enjoyed trying to guess what job they had selected.
While this was a fun activity for the students, we are never too old to ask ourselves what we want to be when we grow up. That is because we are always growing and changing. Whether we are learning something new about our current profession, imagining what we would like to do next, or simply choosing a new hairstyle, change is healthy. By embracing our ever evolving desires, we generate enthusiasm and a sense of ever widening possibility for ourselves.
It was amazing to watch Szydlo working with Mrs. Glusac’s students. Some of the students jumped onto the stage, excited to be in the spotlight. Other students required encouragement. Szydlo joined one student on the stage with arms open wide. He told the student to look at the audience and enjoy the experience of being out there for all to see. Sometimes we all need to step out boldly and enjoy the spotlight with open arms. Even if we feel reluctant, we can learn to let our light shine bright for all to see.
Perhaps you have felt hemmed in by a situation you are currently facing. It might be your job, current relationship, or where you live. Is there a dream bubbling up inside of you that you have been putting on hold because you do not see how it could possibly happen? Now is the time to listen to that inner calling. You do not have to jump off a cliff to make it happen. This an opportunity to open your mind to the possibility that your dream might come true.
Ask yourself what you will feel like when you have your new job, new house, or new hairstyle. Spend time imagining what you will act like and how you will carry yourself as you drive your dream car or get on stage in front of your adoring fans. All of these activities generate enthusiasm inside of you. You are preparing your mind to receive the good you desire.
By taking the time to imagine your dreams coming true, you will start to recognize evidence of your dreams as you move through your day. It might be a conversation with a stranger or an inspired detour from your normal route to work that brings you closer to what you desire. The bottom line is that you will feel good as you ask yourself what you want to be when you grow up and then start acting like it is already true. You will soon discover that the world has been waiting for you to take the stage.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also the co-host of “Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed” podcast on iTunes. For questions, comments, and ideas for future columns, send an email to: EdwardBiagiotti@ccusd.org