January 23, 2025

What’s your dream?

My best friend (the one who’s promised to shred my junior high diaries when I die) was out to dinner with a group of women and mentioned that her best friend- ME- was finishing a first draft and talked non stop about character development and plot holes (sorry not sorry).

The reaction from the women was envy. Not for my success- this was pre book deal- but simply for the fact that I was doing something I loved. 

For a lot of women buried in work, or raising children, or taking care of parents, dream chasing is at the bottom of the To-Do list. You may even feel it’s selfish to do something just for you. Or that it will make you neglect your other responsibilities. Or that it doesn’t really matter if you explore your passion for painting. 

How do I put this politely? You’re wrong and here’s why:

• Creative expression boosts mood, alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhances overall psychological well-being.

• Completing projects provides a sense of achievement and fulfillment, boosting self-esteem and motivation.

• Joining communities or sharing work fosters relationships and a sense of belonging.

Pursuing your passion enriches your life and makes you better at everything else you do. We all have unique talents to explore. It’s only a matter of finding them and following them. In the words of Elizabeth Gilbert, "Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?"

Keep turning pages,

Libby