Not very long ago, I believed I was past the age of dreaming big. By the age of 60, I had achieved far more than my 16 year old self could ever have imagined. More than my 26 year old self, or indeed even my 36 year old self. I thought that maybe by my age, vision should be retrospective. There was just a hint of feeling as if my time for new dreams had passed and I should graciously accept that fact.
I felt that I should be satisfied with what my life had brought thus far. And I was. I am. More than satisfied, I’m grateful and amazed with this good luck life, grateful and amazed to have taken the adversity and challenges in stride, even surmounting them in some instances. I have survived and thrived and find myself in a really wonderful place, mentally and physically and emotionally. All is well.
Sort of. Or it will be now that I have rooted out this silly unconscious notion that at some magic age (for me that seems to be 60) or perhaps after some momentous event (retiring from teaching) I need to simply give up on dreaming big dreams and be content with what I’ve manifested thus far.
The idea that there is an age or an event that signals “time to stop going for it” isn’t just silly–it’s depressing. And I was depressed for about a year without really knowing exactly why. I kept giving myself the pep talk about having had a great life and now I could simply coast…enjoy the scenery, keep writing, have a glass of wine.
Not that any of the above are bad things. But there was the nagging spark inside that begged me to dream some new dreams before it really was too late. Slowly, I have gathered my courage and uncovered a few gems. Things I still want to try. Things that are a bit scary. Things that I might fail to achieve.
But damn I’m going for it. The time to stop dreaming, planning and achieving will come when I draw my final breath, and not before. This is my mantra for 2016. Stayed tuned, there’s much more to come.
Happy new year!
cynthiaharrison.com 
Yes, excellent philosophy to the last. Have a great 2016. Kris.
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Thanks Chris, and same to you. Glad I finally figured this out after a bumpy 2015!
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I love the line …But damn I’m going for it. The time to stop dreaming, planning and achieving will come when I draw my final breath, and not before. Here is to us, sister.
Happy New Year.
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My dear Edith, youbetcha sweetie!
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Go Cynthia! You’re setting a great example (even to those of us who are older than you!!)
Thank you.
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I’ve got a new attitude, June! It feels good:)
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You go, Cynthia – dream big and accomplish all you want for as long as you like! I’m certainly aiming to do the same.
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I can’t imagine why I ever thought I should quit dreaming big, Rose. I guess it’s like, well, time to cut my hair…because my hairdresser says women “of a certain age” don’t look good with long hair. Buying into outdated cultural myths is not for me!
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Good for you! Very inspirational!
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Thanks Helen. I found your 2016 Year of Blogging post very inspirational too:)
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You nailed it, Cindy. I have had those same “is this it?” feelings and am coming around to the realization that it’s not over until it’s over. Judging from you comments, it sounds like we are in good company. Happy New Year, my insightful friend.
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Thanks Sharon! The amazing thing to me is that learning and achieving dreams never really ends. And that’s good news!
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Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie and commented:
Don’t even dream of coasting…
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Anita and Jaye: Coasting is not for me, I’ve found:)
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Nor me, I have to be in some kind of control…
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I love this post, and I love you! You are awesome-sauce.
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Laura, So nice to hear…I have details coming soon xo
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Cynthia you Doll, you clairvoyant, you dreamer! I’m still in my 40s and I’m fighting the ‘is this it?’ feeling. Fought it all last year as my periods went erratic and mood swings festered! So I’m so glad to know, cos I know that if u say there are dreams to be had -then there are. I’m blessed to share your beautiful thoughts! Ps your son is a mini me! Much respect!
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Aww, thank you Jackie. Maybe we hit these cycles at various times in life where we start to think there’s nothing new coming…and then there is. :)).
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It’s great to hear that you’re not slowing down for anything. I’m a young writer working on getting my start, and this post was supremely inspiring! There is never a time to stop dreaming. Thank you for reminding us of that.
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Glad to be of help! And good luck with your writing:)
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