What Are Your {Amended} Big Dreams?

     ~Emily Cline

Today, my friend and (unsuspecting) mentor Kimberly Wilson suggested a "review of your big dreams" and to "take one step closer this Monday" on her Tranquility du Jour Facebook page. I did a meditation (don't act shocked -- I meditate -- Home Goods wasn't open for another 20 minutes, what else was I to do); I did a meditation on where I am.

First, I wanted to model. With all my heart. I thought it would be a career that could get me traveling (yes) and meeting people (yes) and if I did it, I would have this fabulous life, full of self-confidence and happiness.. (er, not so much). I got a lot out of it. And, mainly, I survived. Stronger.

Me in Milan, circa 1990

Comp card from LA, 1992-ish

Finally in NY, around 1996

Shot in LA, just before moving to NY

Crazy progression to me, seeing how unhappy and insecure I was, trying to be someone I wasn't.

That was a big deal for me. I realized I didn't really get to speak or be myself in print, so I started acting: hooray! I could create, get my ya-ya's out, and be another person. I love(d) it! With my whole heart. The business side can be rough -- I have scars from agents and casting directors and reviewers -- but they give me character and dimension.. something I wasn't allowed in the modeling world.

And from high school on, I dreamed of living in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles (I blame Flashdance.) Once I actually spent time in LA, I knew that's where my soul lived. I planned, charted, hoped and finally got there. ahhhh. But once there, I let my eye off the ball, got married, got pregnant, and the curve-ball of being present to raise a child altered the course of things.

However.

BIG DREAMS from a small town Iowa girl? I feel I'm in good standing.

And now going forward. The Second Act, if you will..

Big Dreams Bucket List:
Go back to India
   and London
Spend a month in the South of France
   or the Italian countryside
Raise a healthy, happy son
Live Creatively (with a capital C!)
...and finally, here's my BIG Dream...
Be "Of Service".

To me that means to help people. But not just any kind of help. Creative Help. Not "Creatively Taking Care of the Groceries" help or "Creatively Tackling My To-Do List", but to really use my creativity to help another person(s).

I'm going to take one step closer to that Big Dream today.* With all my heart. Are you? What's your Big Dream?
(hint: if you write it down or journal about it, it's a little easier to dream it!)

*POSTSCRIPT:
I sent an email to a local center of a nation-wide eating disorder facility, volunteering my services as a visual journalist. Keep your fingers crossed! It's a start!!
________________________

***What's next?***
Gather & Giggle! Join us Friday, August 24, from 7:00-10:00 p.m. for our monthly crafting date. Suggested donation of $10 at the door, though if it's your first time, please be our guest!

We're joining the fabulous Etsy crew's suggestion in their nation-wide craft party! We'll make postcards with the "Wish You Were Here" theme!

Email for details: Info@Doodlebugheart.com or at Meetup.com