Childhood Dreams
I have sometimes felt strange watching people who have passed away in movies or in presentations. Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture was no exception. I watched the entire thing and marveled at how it felt watching someone I know is dead talk about fulfilling his dreams and reflecting on the wonderful life he had. And, doing all that in front of 500 people. I can’t explain the feeling. Sometimes it is there and other times it isn’t. But in Randy’s case, I think it served as a sweet reminder to do better, be better, and live better.
Randy is the kind of guy I would have liked to have met. He knew how to build a relationship. In fact, I think the key ingredient to the success he had fulfilling so many of his dreams, and inspiring the dreams of others, is from those relationships. It is hard to do everything by yourself! And he surrounded himself with family and with good mentors who gave him good advice and reality checks when he needed them.
One thing I really loved in watching Randy’s last lecture was when he said “I don’t know how to not have fun. I’m dying and I’m having fun.” Perhaps that is also a secret to success. Have fun. Life is taken so seriously most of the time! Yes, there are many important, serious matters that we have to deal with, but when was the last time we had a bellyache induced by laughter? When was the last time we threw our inhibitions to the wind? And when was the last time you thought to try something new? I try to do everything at least once. Because if I don’t try it, how will I know if I like it? And the adventure of new is fun.
What is life without dreams? It seems that everyone has them. Whether they are from our childhood or ones we have right now, we are an imaginative species. How boring life would be if no one ever dreamed, or wondered, or tried! Life would be bland toast. Bland.
No, to dream is crucial. So many dreams don’t come true, but who cares? Dream on! My dreams steered my life in the direction it has taken, and I love my life.
Childhood dreams seem like they existed a long time ago. Randy clearly remembered his – and he was able to fulfill so many of them. But my childhood dreams… I wanted to be an astronaut. I neither have the education or the physical fitness required. I wanted to be a medical doctor. Until I learned what is involved with being a physician. No thanks – you can keep your rashes and fluids to yourself.
My young dreams all changed as I grew, but one dream that I have been able to make a reality is working behind the scenes for theatre and film productions. I wanted to be a stage manager, but I haven’t done that in seventeen years. Instead, I have worked with set decoration, props, wardrobe, pyrotechnics, lighting, audio, carpentry, and most commonly, scenic art. I love to paint sets. It has fulfilled me more than anything I have ever pursued. I’ll never make a million dollars painting scenery, but I am happy, and it’s fun.
Working behind the scenes keeps that childhood wonder that Randy Pausch talks about alive in me.
I get the chance to look around me in awe, and I am carried away to a very happy place.