We all have dreams and aspirations. While our dreams are all vastly different, they are all very similar. We all want to excel and shine in what we feel inspired to do.

How many of us follow our dreams?

Who chooses to shine once inspiration takes hold?

It can be far too easy, rather than follow our dreams to just to dismiss them as unobtainable.

When inspiration strikes we can let it pass believing we can do it tomorrow. Tomorrow is always a day away.

Why do we do this? Why do we avoid a fulfilling life and instead accept mediocrity.

It takes courage and faith to step from the shadows into to the spot light. Personal greatness is never found lurking in the shadows.

If we are brave, step into the spot light and shine, it can create attention. This attention can be both positive and negative.

The fear of criticism and failure can hold us back and cripple our dreams.

We can feel incredibly vulnerable if we remove the mask we wear and expose our authentic self. If your dream does not require and involve your authentic self, is it truly your dream?

How do we transition from believing our dreams only occur while sleeping, to overcoming our fears and proudly marching towards a fulfilling life? Your dreams might not occur overnight!!!

We need to commit to the journey. Commit to take the first step on the journey to our dreams. When we feel inspired, we need to commit to embracing the ideas and taking action. Commit to stepping out of the shadows and to shine.

On a personal note the idea of writing for me was absurd. I had always struggled with English at school and instead embraced maths and science. I studied engineering and my writing was only ever notes. But now I feel inspired to write. My mind is full of ideas that circle around until they are written. This is my 34^th post yet I have never really shared any of them. The fear of rejection holds me back but I need to change this. It is time to commit!

I’ll leave you with these two quotes:

“At the moment of commitment the entire universe conspires to assist you.”

― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

―William Hutchinson Murray (1913-1996)

Mark- The Alchemist’s Journey