Why it's never too late to pursue your dreams (after 55 and beyond)

It's never too late to pursue your dreams.

There are many stories of people who started late(r) in life, achieved their goals, and became hugely successful. To do this, we need imagination, inspiration, vision, and focus. Passion also requires patience. Anything is possible when you truly believe in yourself. This is something I am learning and re-learning everyday.
 
We take on self-limiting beliefs in our childhood years. Most often it was our parents, teachers, or others who meant well, who told us we need to be realistic and "get a real job" because “dreams don't pay the bills.” 

I know that I fell into this trap and listened to others about who I should be, and what I should do. It took me years to figure out that it is my decision and mine alone: who I am, who I aspire to be, and what I want to and can do is up to me and no-one else. For too long, I considered the ideas and voices of others before my own. Those days are over! My voice matters, and I inherently know what my passions and dreams were and are! I also know that I can achieve them.

When pursuing our dreams, passions, and goals, our age or other’s opinions need not influence our decisions. These are often excuses holding us back from accomplishing marvelous things.  

With dreams, we find a purpose. We work diligently and walk towards them. We have a reason to wake up and live life with joy. Working in a position we don’t like or are not aligned with makes us unhappy, unfulfilled, and unwilling to wake up and seize each day.

Responsibility, continual improvement and motivation are key to achieving our goals and making our dreams a reality. 

We meet other dream seekers along the way and attract people who share our values. When we decide to “go for it” and pursue our dreams, we inspire others. We all have dreams, and each of us needs to pursue our own wholeheartedly, because we’re the only ones who can. 

Here are a few of my favourite poignant quotes about the pursuit of dreams. (Which one is your favourite?)

“What we really want to do is what we are really meant to do. When we do what we are meant to do, money comes to us, doors open for us, we feel useful, and the work we do feels like play to us.” — Julia Cameron

“Do not plant your dreams in the field of indecision, where nothing ever grows, but the weeds of ‘what-if’.” - Dodinsky

“ A life without dreams is like a garden without flowers.” - Author unknown

“Life without dreams is like a rainbow without colours.” - Greyson Chance

Imagine a rainbow without colours. How boring would that be?! We grow when we leave our safe environment, when we exit our comfort zone and jump into the deep end, immersing ourselves fully in discomfort. This is where growth happens. This is also where dreams are made. 

As long as you've got passion for the path you’re on, faith in yourself, and a willingness to get a little bit uncomfortable, the pursuit of your dreams and goals will bring you to a place of inner peace and gratitude. Only through these things do we find happiness.

Fun fact: I am over 55 and am loving every minute of this journey. What are some things you’ve done late in life that you never thought you would achieve as a young person?

Stay tuned for my next post, which will feature stories about some brilliant women who pursued their dreams later in life and succeeded! Please feel free to leave your own personal story in the comments. 

With love,

Rita



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