Lately I’ve been contemplating dreams, those deep desires, the yearning for something that seems impossible, something that seems far away. Some dreams I’ve let die because they really are no longer a dream, but some still sit small and unrealized waiting for their chance and my full attention. Harlem, by Langston Hughes has long been one of my favorite poems, and the questions posed therein have prompted even more reflection:
Harlem—Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
What will happen to those dreams I’ve deferred? The ones that I haven’t let die? And when will their time come? Will their time ever come? And are they worth the effort and work? Are they worth the price, not just the work, but the price paid by my family? There are dreams for which the answer is “yes.” And other’s for which there is no answer…yet.
What are your running dreams? Life dreams? Are there dreams you have deferred?
-Sarah
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I’d love to work in the fitness world…doing what exactly? Not sure yet! Love your graphic!
I’ve always wanted to be and RD (registered dietitian) that dream got derailed when I was in college, but I’d like to revisit it at some point..
Lacy @ Running Limit-less says
I really love this post. Even though it is short it is quite thought provoking and really got me thinking. My husband always jokes that I am always chasing some dream because I am always doing something different. My running dream is to Qualify for the Olympic Trials. It is really lofty but I’m going for it. As far as Life Dreams there are many that I have deferred and will probably stay that way for who knows how long. I always wanted to be an Actress but that will always be just a dream. It is very unattainable. However, this may sound cheesy but I do dream and hope to be the best Mom and Wife I can be. I want my kids to see that you can achieve anything in life no matter what the Dream may be.
I share the same dream! Qualify of the Olympic Trials. If I can’t make it by 2016 then I’ll try for 2020. There were two ladies from Maine both 46 who qualified for this past trails and there was an article in our paper about them. THought maybe that could be me:) I’ve also always dreamed of becoming a registered dietitian. I was on that path and majoring in Nutritional Science before getting derailed by an eating disorder. Some day I’ll finish what I started:)
Despite running for nearly 25 years now, my first road races of any type were at 46 in 2012. I have had a great couple of years as a more ‘serious runner’, and as a former Boston-area person (first 42 years), I would love nothing more than to run in my hometown marathon.
Life dream? Beach house with my wife after the boys are done with college (both in high school now).
Running a BQ has been my dream and the reason I started running back in 2003.
I love this Sarah (and that graphic is amazing!). I’ve been thinking a lot about dream lately too - dreams in progress, dreams deferred, dreams realized. It’s a complicated game of balance, isn’t it? I’m trying to pursue my dreams of writing and teaching yoga. It’s freaking scary but having those different components that you outline? So incredible important.
I have always wanted to live overseas…now at nearly 60, and after 35+ years of waiting, I am living that dream. Sometimes living your dreams involves sacrifices that are sad…like living far from my family. But, there is joy as well. Some dreams we hold loosely, because the fulfillment of them is out of our control, yet some we get to work hard to see fulfillment. Run fast, Run far girl…2016!! Love you! Mom
:):) xoxo