They say that a picture can convey a thousand words, and this photograph is a prime example. Though it appears simple, it exudes a plethora of emotions and thoughts. As soon as I set my eyes on it, I felt a sense of innocence, a beaming smile, and the unbridled spirit of a child with no inhibitions. I saw boundless aspirations, the confidence to express one’s desires without hesitation, and the belief that anything is achievable.
Other emotions also surfaced, such as a hint of cynicism suggesting that such dreams are idealistic and unrealistic. This leads me to ponder the process of maturing into an adult and whether it’s truly necessary. I can’t help but crave the childlike emotions depicted in the photograph, particularly the purity of innocence and the ability to convey it so effortlessly. The photograph inspires me to revisit my childhood dreams. I recall wanting to be a cricketer, a bureaucrat, a carom player, a poet, a writer, an artist, and much more. Although some of these aspirations have transformed over time, most have endured.
I’ve noticed something intriguing about myself during this journey. Most of the things I’ve accomplished in life were dreams that I never consciously considered. Instead, they were embedded in my childhood, shaping my character and determining my future aspirations. Though my dreams have shifted in form, they remain as relevant as ever.
I’ve also observed that we often constrain ourselves, attempting to suppress our dreams in favor of practicality. In hindsight, I wonder how practicality has helped us. If I had been practical my whole life, I would have never quit my job, pursued writing, or found other means of realizing my dreams. Instead, I would have remained dissatisfied, saying “I wish” to myself repeatedly.
The words “I wish” have likely shattered more dreams than we realize. However, it’s never too late to revive those childhood dreams. Sometimes, we just need to reconnect with them and figure out how to incorporate them into our lives. It may seem nonsensical or impractical, but that’s the beauty of it. Embrace the absurdity and let your childhood dreams flourish. Even if it doesn’t benefit you in any tangible way, it’s worth pursuing because it brings happiness. Remember, the child in you saw something special that you may have forgotten.
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The reality is that only a few are able to chase their childhood dreams. I guess many were deliberately directed to other aspirations rather than the things they most loved.
I too loved playing cricket, I played very well but I never thought in my childhood to play on a bigger platform. But somewhere, I remember, I used to dream to play professional cricket.
I think only a few make it a point to Pravin. I do agree that some have more opportunities on their platter but not all of them use them well either. It does take that call from within to make it work :)
Oh really?! that’s something we share in common then :). Cool! I have always dreamt of bowling though, not very much a batsman!
dream your dreams…live the reality…chase your dreams…make it a reality. possible? somewhere somehow the child in us loses its presence as we seriously pursue the rut that life has become. We need to rediscover the child in us. But is everyone lucky enough to do that? good one :)
So true Preethi, somewhere somehow the child in us loses its presence, you’ve mentioned it so beautifully :). I guess we all are lucky enough, just that sometimes we might have to work really hard to bring that child out. Poor fellow he has been subdued for a long time now :)
PICTURE TO WEAVE STORIES ABOUT!
i don’t know since i read this, i am thinking what was or were my childhood dreams, but to be honest i can’t think of any right now … maybe i had none or maybe i was a very realistic kind of a child from the age my memory cell started functioning , who probably never believed in dreaming whatsoever… i probably knew its going to be a waste of time and it will not be coming true or maybe what people call dream i know it as thinking…and i do think a lot… i think of being the best actor,writer player and anything good in that i want to be the best .. someday i think of being the most romantic person on the earth making all the flowers jealous and they asking me for a tip on how to be such romantic,fanciful and what not…. so i also do some serious thinking after all.ha ha ha.
I really love to live with my childhood dreams…they were crazy indeed ..but they had that innocence and fun of a happy mind. I wish I could relive my childhood dreams … :-)
Nicely written Vinay..
This is a fabulous post, Vinay. :) I am actually not living my childhood dreams which was to study literature and be a poet and to learn music… I have become an Engineer. :D I don’t know, what shall I say about this now. :p
Thank you Namrata :). I think you’re doing your fair share, you do write consistently on your blog, and poetry is a fair form writing. About music, well I am not sure, I haven’t heard you, so…. ;).
But I guess we all have a fragment of that somewhere, it is just about touching base with it :)
I think the one most attractive thing about childhood was the fact that there were no ‘aspirations’. That living in the ‘now’, where victory meant winning a game of I Spy or something. Aspirations, as we adults know them, did not exist.
I do agree with you about the subconscious development of ideas. We are continuously picking up from our surroundings even though the brain puts it in sleep mode only to bring it out much later. I wonder if this is what ‘upbringing’ is all about too?
Oh yes! Let is be stupid! :D
He he, so true Sakshi. It was a lot more fun living in the smaller space, no wonder growing up sucks :D .
I guess as we grow up, it is always one thing or the other that keeps making us think and most times extremely unnecessary things! Probably that’s all the more reason why we should try finding that stupid self. Helps to simplify life a bit :)
Thank you for your thoughts Sakshi, pleasure to hear from you.
Cheers,
V+
What were your childhood dreams? http://t.co/PV1Krtf9tQ