Lead or Follow

...your dreams that is.

I've always been puzzled by the saying 'Follow your dreams' (and for some odd reason I said that in my James Earl Jones voice). It's not that difficult of a command, but the word FOLLOW is what has me thinking, questioning, and left confused about my efforts to do just that.

The definition of follow, according to Webster's online dictionary, is: "to pursue in an effort to overtake".

I can see how that definition would be suitable. However, it has an inferior ring that makes me feel as though I'd always be one step behind. Always have my arm extended with the hopes of grasping. Always watching the finish line tape break right before my eyes. Almost, but not quite.

I guess one could argue that the purpose of following a dream is to see it in front of you. With a constant reminder of where you're heading, it is likely you would never lose sight of that dream. That does not always remain true.

What about those of us who have our heads down {giving up on a dream}?
What about the people who strive for material possessions {a tangible dream}?
What about those who never expected, hoped, or asked for {I could have never dreamed}?

Are they even paying attention? They may be looking past their dream. In that case, the word FOLLOW is irrelevant.

Why can't it be called 'Lead your dream'? You know, like leading a horse to water.

Show your dream what it needs. If you want to be a scientist, experiment, prove, hypothesize...lead.

A dream will always belong to you. Keep it in your head, but also in your heart. And if your dream {horse} is led to the water and decides it doesn't want to drink, well, maybe it was YOU who wasn't thirsty. Not the dream!

According to Webster's Dictionary, lead is "to guide on a way especially by going in advance".

I think I have done my share of following and leading in life. And I must say, a front-seat view is looking pretty darn good. Here's to calling "shotgun" on my future.

Photo credit:
fussgänger stock photo by www.pixmac.com