--- T. E. Lawrence from "Seven Pillars of Wisdom"
--- Lawrence of Arabia 1888 - 1935
When someone looks into your eyes they should see something alive within you. Having a dream is like owning a lighthouse; it is a beacon that directs a community of men and women to see you have found purpose.
The dream directs us on our journey. At every turn we encounter its mystery. At each new level we become more of the person we were meant to become. In lonely times, when we pass through a storm of disappointment, we find our commitment is unshaken, our strength renewed.
Somehow, if we stay true to our vision, we emerge firmer in our convictions, believing in our ability to accomplish something meaningful.
As an artist, I have often thought that having a dream is like creating a sketch, since it very closely matches how I would begin a painting with a simple drawing. With a few pencil lines and an eye for movement, I find the right sense of balance. Jazzing it up with color, the theme emerges and ultimately the story is told.
The hidden life of an artist is revealed in those brush strokes, just as the highest hopes of the dreamer are revealed with every step taken in their journey to the impossible.
Every Saturday I read a column in the paper by a lady named Catherine Gallaso Vigoritto. She writes an uplifting column that motivates me to want to try harder and reach further within myself in order to find my "reserves" of faith.
In one of her more recent columns she wrote: "These are the best years of your life, so dream grand dreams and then go out and make them stunning realities."
Her message is right on. We must all believe in our power to accomplish something better. We need to awaken to the idea that each moment holds new possibility and begin once more to see the world as a child does; wide-eyed and enthusiastic. When we see the opportunities that lie before us, we build more satisfying and joy-filled lives.
I like to write my goals down and post them on the walls of my studio. Believe it or not, they always come to pass in one form or another. Magically they have a way of finding me.
Setting the vision before my eyes keeps me focused. It may take one season or extend over many, but the result is the same.
Believe in your destiny. Keep your vision posted on the wall or taped to the refrigerator. Write down your most heartfelt dreams and when opportunity comes, step into your dream.
"..dream grand dreams and then go out and make them stunning realities."
Often I have found that the world will seek to discourage the dream before it can burst through the soil of my heart. I have learned to treasure the dream's essence within, while I wait for its tender shoots to become stronger.
Knowing in my heart my dream will one day blossom into the world, brings me peace. For a season we must protect the dream in order that it may grow quietly on the inside. But if we tenderly care for our deepest aspirations, slowly but surely the dream will become new life.
The journey of the dreamer is really a belief in ourselves. It forges passion into character. The dream becomes a pillar of hope we can trust in, lean on and learn from.
Dreaming is an act of faith. The light of your expectations will cast off the shadows of a disbelieving world. God has given the dreamer as a gift, to light an unbelieving world.
Find your treasure within and cherish it. Tomorrow is waiting for you to take the first step.
Always the Glory, Only the Glory,
--- Copyright © 2008 Artist Doug West
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