Most of my life just now seems to be projects and dreams. Projects presentsand dreams of projects future. But that's what being 24 is all about right? Projects and dreaming. Making things happen and dreaming of the things that you hope will happen. But sometimes you just want the things to be happened, the dreams to not be dreams any more and to be done with all that waiting and planning and wondering which of your 102 disparate dreams of the future is the right dream. But that's not how it works when you're 24 and you have 102 dreams and you are trying to make things happen and amongst it all you're not really sure what you want to happen. And so you muddle on. And you thank whomever it is you thank when you're thankful that you have someone beside you to hold your dreams in their hands, to keep the others safe while you play with each one in turn, rolling it over and looking at it from this way and that and wondering if just maybe it's the right one.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Projects and Dreams
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I like this. This is a fabulous perspective, and I like that you're (and your special someone!) are keeping your other dreams tucked away for safekeeping. Though, at the ripe old age of 28 ;), I have to admit that I'm a fan of the pursuit, and encourage you not to get too weighed down with the examination process (though yes, thinking is good). But you are certainly young enough to try out 102 dreams :)! best wishes with this dream process.
ReplyDeleteIf I can send you anything down the decades it's this. You are doing it as right as is possible to be right. Focus more on reducing anxiety than on doing the right thing. Focus more on realizing just how amazing you are. Who else should enjoy it but you? My apologies for the sappiness but there are times to put all irony aside.
ReplyDeleteThis is the best post from anyone I've ever read. Because you just spoke my thoughts EXACTLY. I'm 24 as well and dear lord, well, you said it perfectly: I dream of huge things, but many, many things, and I'm starting to feel very, very anxious. Everyone tells me it's natural and fine at this age to be in such shape - which helps - except for my parents whom I happen to live with - which doesn't help.
ReplyDeleteBravo. I've got your back on this one. A many good luck on your search, keep your head high and I'll try to do the same :)
<3
ReplyDeleteoh p! being your elder, i wish i could tell you this feeling goes away, but from my experience anyway, it doesn't. what does change, however, is that you become more accepting of the fact. honestly, most of the time i feel like i don't have shit figured out. but, i look at people who "do" and those people tend to be boring and predictable. not interesting and complex like you and i. ;) the way i see it, you have your whole life to do all the things you dream of doing. there is no deadline. you do what you can, and the rest probably isn't that big of a deal anyway.
ReplyDeleteafter all, "there is no road to happiness, happiness is the road". didn't buddha say that? i think so. and doesn't everyone want to be just like him? yeah, i think so too.
xooxx
I'm 22 and I couldn't agree more. I had a pretty rough night last night and this put a smile on my face for the first time today. Thank you for your words...:0)
ReplyDeleteOh!
ReplyDeleteJust... lovely.
Ahh projects and dreams, this is a subject close to my own heart. But you know what, I think it's a case of the right dreams will choose you. Being open to things and simply doing what makes you happy are pretty good things to be doing in the meantime. And enjoy every second. One of my favorite quotes that I constantly have to remind myself of is: "Happiness is a journey not a destination" :) x faye x
ReplyDeleteGaun yersel
ReplyDeleteHammer (P) meet nail (my feelings exactly).
ReplyDeleteI don't think any of this ever goes away. Actually, I think should it go away, I hope to find myself dead, as the projects and dreams shared with that someone are the best parts of everyday. Especially when they become "ours."
As for the happenings, I say throw as much as you fit in your arms at the wall. Whatever sticks, and make you happy, run with it.
Perfectly articulated; thank you.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shot of a heart in the apple! Don't forget to take pleasure in the dreaming, and the engaging in the projects.
ReplyDeleteso lovely...
ReplyDeleteI wish I could tell you that the 102 disparate dreams become less in number and more cohesive with time. I have not found that to be the way my life has gone. In fact, the possibilities seem expanding, and as you zero in on something, then new opportunities come up... and it;s all rather wonderful, actually. If you remember to let go a little. Easier said than done, but isn't that what life is all about, after all? Knowing when to hold on and when to let go, and redefining yourself as you go along...? Maybe. I'm still trying to figure it out. I'm 36.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
-maria
I think all of life is projects and dreams. And trying to turn the dreams into projects.
ReplyDeleteAs Annie Dillard said, "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."
thank you for this! Sometimes I feel alone in my "dreams and projects" because everyone else always seems so focused.
ReplyDeleteYes, 24 is about projects and dreams. But so is 25, and 30 (my age now) and I hope 40, 50, 60, you get the idea! :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes getting there is the best part, so don't try to make things happen too fast!
I sound like grandma! :)
Bad news. It's the same thing when you're 50. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteoh i'm like you...24 and filled with dreams of future possible pursuits but in my dreams i see not only the pros but also the cons, so i can't quite figure out what would be right to pursue. so i continue down the same boring day job path till i do figure out what my next step should be. my boyfriend always tells me i'm thinking about the future too much, but i can't help it, it's like a fun mental exercise to hope and wonder how my life will change.
ReplyDeleteThat's what i was thinking. *sigh* 24 eh...
ReplyDeleteWhat did we do before LPC came along? You and she both helped me greatly with this this morning. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteyou write beautifully.
ReplyDeletebut oh, this condition of dreaming and wanting to create and planning and making and hoping does not magically stop or ever fully resolve itself. i am now 35. (thank you for your birthday wishes by the way and yes, i rather favour a birthday week) and i am still full of hopes and dreams and wants and projects and hopes and even more dreams.
i wish i had been as evolved as you are when i was 24 though.
always dream! even when all your 102 dreams have come true (or at least you have tried them all on...) find some more dreams to wish & hope for & plan! life is only over when you stop looking forward and start looking backward :)
ReplyDeletexo meg
ps, i know how you feel, i posted about pretty much the exact same thing yesterday... it's nice to know that people in their 24th year seem to be having a joint-existentialist crisis
I enjoyed reading this post because your honesty hit home with me. I am twice your age and I still think in terms of projects and dreams...so it never ends, at least I hope not. As I age though I see things in a different perspective that comes from experience. I can't say I don't still feel anxious but I've learned to enjoy the journey a little more and pace my projects when I'm under control. As I watch my children and their children I remember how hectic the dreaming process is...maybe one day I'll feel mature. Great picture also.
ReplyDeleteamen. and I hate to tell you, but it doesn't seem to end at 24 either... it's all dreams and unknowns, unexpecteds & even unimaginable randoms... but that's the magic isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThe not knowing is at once terrifying and exciting, limiting and limitless... I think your blog is gorgeous, and I'm assuming your dreams are similar too... I've been working on a project present tense which has finally come into fruition (eeek, a little magazine called Spoonful, watch this blogger's space :) and I have to say that feeling is pretty awesome... but now that I've done it, a whole new WORLD of uncertainties seem to have presented themselves... I'm 26, so I guess we just keep on looking straight ahead...
Happy Friday ;)
thea.
xx
(www.forthevisionaries.tumblr.com)
post perfection <3
ReplyDeleteMmm... thank goodness for LPC. Because I'm almost 30 and it's the same. I'm just a bit sturdier than I was at 24 (thank god!)
ReplyDeleteWell someday someone will thank goodness for you all too. Oh, wait, I already do. And I am sure I am not alone in that. Smooches, as I say to my kids. Weekend time...
ReplyDeleteThank you for this :)
ReplyDeletexoxo another 24 year old dreamer
Love this post! I am in such a similar place at 26. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, so we know we're not alone.
ReplyDeleteThis doesn't go away. But I've found this: It doesn't matter which you do first, so long as you do it with an open heart. Choose one, and do it, and then another, and the rest will fall into place.
ReplyDeleteParaphrasing Anon: Good news. It's the same thing when you're 50. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI found you via Cate Subrosa and LPC and Meg, and I've been reading you for a while. Loving your work, and your wisdom.
I just re- read this to check if it was as good as i remembered it was. It is. Better in fact, and expresses vprecisely how i'm feeling at the moment. Apart from with no projects (which sucks). Just lots of hopoing and dreaming. This is a beautiful post.
ReplyDelete