Day 3_I Have a Dream

Today we're talking about that act of simply connecting to your dreams, which is a giant step toward understanding that your life has meaning.

You have value. Whatever people have said or how you've thought of yourself, you're valuable.

Things may not be going your way at the moment, but don't give up. If you're doing these steps, then you can bet your efforts are going to pay off.

Your purpose intersects with the lives of many others. In fact, YOU influence others all the time even if you don't see it.

How does that make you feel?

Your vision for your life is directly connected to that part of you that makes your life valuable, that is, your core values.

They're what you stand for.

A core value could be described as a belief you hold that motivates your thoughts and actions at a deep level. You can't compromise that value without feeling deflated or even defeated. It matters that much to you.

Some of these values include honesty, artistic expression, athleticism, optimism, nurturing, faith, determination, kindness, respect, humility, intelligence, wisdom, strength, fair mindedness, courage, leadership, loyalty, and on it goes...

Connect to your core values, and you will find a big clue to the kind of life, relationships and career options that excite you.

So....

What are you most passionate about in your life, at school or your future career?

What's the underlying core value in that passion?

Here's an example of someone who used his core values to pursue a dream that had a profound impact on the US.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the groundbreaking Civil Rights activist, had a dream of what it would be like if all men and women were treated equally with dignity and respect.

More than 50 years later, his dream continues to influence the legal, ethical and moral fabric of America.

He made it clear that his core values were faith, love, respect and justice. He believed all men and women of every race and ethnicity should be treated with unconditional love and respect.

Dr. King implored us to love our neighbor as ourselves, treating each other as we would like to be treated.

His dream was a big one and continues to affect our society. He gave all he had - literally - to see it forge ahead.

How much do you understand how important it is to yourself and others to dream big, trusting that you have a vision within you that needs to be realized?

Dr. King was known as a noble, heroic, passionate, courageous and influential man. That was his vision based upon his core values.

Now it's your turn. What about your values, your hopes, your talents and your dreams?

Imagine the kind of things you can do to use what is most special about you to shape your own destiny in a way that brings out the best in you and others.

Let the ideas flow. Don't stop them. Don't consider obstacles. Just go with it. List as much as you can think of in the space below.

What one, positive, brave action can you take now to move you even a small step toward any of the ideas you captured?

Go do the one small thing.

Report back tomorrow.