Dreaming is an integral part of our life. The things, that we are fond of or we have a longing for, always dwell in our subconscious mind. Time and again it flashes in our mind when awake, in leisure or at rest. When awake it’s a thought, in leisure it’s a desire, but when it runs like a film in front of our closed eyes, it’s our dream. They are the thoughts that have been long cherished by us. When the heart and mind feel unquenchable thirst to achieve it, it becomes part of our real life. Our life is generally what we make it. It is largely in accordance with our dreams and the way we mould ourselves in chasing the dreams.
Dreams are beyond the bounds of country, caste, creed, race, religion or age. It has been generally observed that by the time people attain the age of 35-40 years, they consider themselves to be well established and do not have further ambitions or dreams to be fulfilled. This negative approach is a fullstop in our progress. We shut all the doors that lead us ahead in life by giving up new ideas and learning. When the mind accepts this fact, the body too starts believing it to be true. The energy level shrinks with decline in working potential.
The positive approach towards life says there is no age bar to success and progress and so to realize dreams. Everybody, rich or poor, big or small have equal right to dream and fulfill it. As per the government norms or even in the private sector there is a fixed retirement age for an individual but that isn’t true regarding dreams. It is not-at-all a restriction. At different stages in life we think differently and our aims and achievements are different. In childhood our ambitions of life are a result of the influence of our surroundings, our parents’ ideological impact and sometimes our circumstances. But as we grow our thoughts change and so does the life style and expectations. We differ from the person we have been dreaming of. Life is in fact a byproduct of thought, action and circumstances.
Only those who are very determined remain focused in fulfilling their dreams. They fight every hardship but are adamant to achieve the set goal. Age is no bar in this matter. The great painter Leonardo-de-Vinci painted the best painting of his life ‘Mona Lisa’ at the age of fifty-one years. Another renowned personality Nelson Mandela became the President of South Africa at the age of seventy- five years after a long struggle. This shows that enthusiasts have managed to achieve their set goals even in the later stage of life, in spite of declining efficiency. Indian history too stands a proof to this theory. Goswami Tulsidas, a great saint and Sanskrit scholar, started composing his epic ‘Ramcharitmanas’ at the age of ninety years. Many such examples across the globe can be cited in this context; where people have achieved success in different walks of life after long struggle even at later ages of their lives.
The renowned British writer and poet C. S. Lewis says–“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” One must always remember that dreams are beyond limits of age and can be chased at the slightest opportunity visible. The only power needed is strong will power. This high spirit provides immense strength and energy. People with negative approach towards life only look at the darker side and are always dissatisfied and think only about the adverse circumstances that are responsible for its non- fulfilment. Many people give up their dreams believing them to be beyond their reach. They don’t realize that change in plan or approach is also an important factor. Instead they think that people or society will scoff at them. This is like looking at one’s life from others’ point of view. This is again a factor where energy is wasted in thinking from others’ point of view rather than analyzing one’s own capability. It is wise to keep away from such interference. Accept the ideas and advices that are worth implementing. Boldly reject the others. Never hesitate to change path to reach the right direction. Always strive to improve and nourish your ideas for betterment in life.
“Well begun is half done” is a saying that’s very true .The first and foremost step is to know your goal clearly and work towards it wholeheartedly. Once the target and right direction are set, just keep moving ahead step by step. Set small achievable goals on the way to the real goal. Identify yourself–your strengths and shortcomings and work on them. Keep in touch with specialists in the field. Take timely opinion and enter into discussions for problem solving without hitch.
The age to begin studies, to change one’s career, to improve relations, to gain name and fame, to give up bad habits, to inculcate good habits, to improve working skills, to improve upon oneself or to tour around the world, is not defined. Any of these tasks can be chosen and executed at any stage in life. Age is not- at-all a barrier in achievements of life’s goals.
Dreams can be fulfilled only by strong determination and willpower. Our past or present circumstances in no way can stop us. Our ex- President late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam expressed his views in this regard as–“Don’t stop dreaming till the last breath.” Another renowned philosopher said, “One doesn’t grow old till he is busy in fulfilling his dreams. He grows old and dies when he stops working on his dreams.” So don’t give up dreaming and don’t let your dreams die. Keep them alive. Dreams in the eyes are the real source of inspiration to be hopeful to live a contented and youthful life.
Akhand Jyoti Magazine 2016 Mar-Apr
