The Fear That Kills Dreams Before They Begin

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” — Mark Twain.

I once had a dream. I dreamt I could move mountains just by lifting my finger. It didn’t matter which finger it was, or how slightly I moved it, all that mattered was that I could move mountains wherever and whenever I wanted. My dream wasn't about physical mountains, it was something much deeper than that. It was a dream I nurtured for years. On cold evenings whenever my mother and I went on our usual stroll,my little hand in hers, swinging from left to right, I would joyfully tell her about that dream. I would tell her that one day, this dream would no longer be a dream but reality. “You’ll see. I will make it happen.” I would always tell her. She smiled. She laughed. She cheered me on. Who knew that years later I would give up on that dream?

Many years later, I gave up on the dream I had nurtured for years. For a very long time, I lived in denial. Whenever anyone asked me why I gave up on that dream and changed my path, I would tell them that I didn’t know why. I told them that it just happened that way. But I realized it didn’t just happen that way. I gave up on that dream because I was afraid. I was afraid that something would go wrong if I continued down that path.

From the start, I knew that path wasn’t for the faint-hearted. Mother told me many times that to achieve that dream, I would have to work harder and struggle more than others. I thought I could do it, but as I grew older, that bravery vanished into thin air. It is better to die trying than to live regretting. Sadly, it's too late for me to go back. So, I guess I have to keep on living with this regret. The good thing about that is that I have learnt my lesson. Chase your dream to the fullest. Yes, there will be obstacles, but what is the point of playing it safe if it means given up on what truly matters?

If you decide to give up on your dreams, you will only keep living with regrets. “I wish I had done this.” You will hate yourself! So chase that goal. Apply for that opportunity. Start that business! Start small! Do things! Try everything! Try different things out. Do big things! Remember, regret is one feeling you never want to carry for the rest of your life.

Image is mine.

Thanks for reading.