Those of you who have read the first three books in the Inspiration In Cologne series know the main theme of the stories is following your dreams. It is the most important factor in my Author Brand Identity Statement (BIS): Writing Sweet and Wholesome Romance About Love, Friendship, and Following Your Dreams.
Without realizing it, I have been following my dreams ever since I was a young girl, probably much to my parents’ dismay. I did figure it out years later and here are the benefits…
Following your dreams could contribute something of value to others—for in stepping outside your comfort zone, you become an inspiration.
Following your dreams helps you develop new skills as you’ll be required to do tasks you haven’t done before.
Following your dreams energizes you, giving you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
Following you dreams helps you acknowledge and appreciate the experience of past failures and value them as learning opportunities.
Following your dreams motivates you from being a spectator to an initiator.
Following you dreams helps you grow in stature and character as you move beyond the known.
Following your dreams teaches you to trust in yourself and take risks, without fear of failure.
Following your dreams prevents you from simply fitting in a preconceived mold and mimicking the status quo.
While happiness is a choice, you can (and should) learn to access it at all stages of your life. Having a commitment to following your dreams is healthy, not only for us, but for those around us: we’re more alive, vibrant, and hopeful of a better future.
To paraphrase Billy Joel, you can get what you want, or you can get old.
What are some of your dreams? What steps are you taking toward them? Or, have you followed your dreams? I would love to hear from you: dk@deborahkingbooks.com