John C. Maxwell in the first line of the preface in "The Complete 101 Collection" states, "I've been passionate about personal growth for most of my life. ....I wouldn't have achieved any of my dreams had I not been dedicated to continual improvement. Such a simple statement but so profound in its implications. Perhaps unrealized dreams dry up for lack of continuous personal growth. Perhaps the original effort, ideas,time and other critical elements may move the dream forward, yet may not sustain it.
One of my favorite poems from Langton 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?
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As I am getting a little bit older, I think about the "dream deferred" question often. I think the deferred dreams are still there waiting for just the right time to emerge and manifest themselves. I love the poem above, and it is just one of several by Langston Hughesv that I have committed to memory. Such profound words. His poetry always make you reflect, question, and think deeply. I suggest making a list of all those deferred dreams and getting busy making them happen.
ReplyDeleteone of the few authors i remember studying as a child was langston hughes, so i enjoyed seeing this poem again. at the relatively young age of 35, i have already been faced with situations where some of my dreams, particularly my professional ones, have been deferred and i've done so knowingly. the birth of each of my children and the move to a new city in support of my wife's career are just a few times that i have made the choice to defer my dreams in deference to what i believed was a 'better cause'. on the note of personal growth, i believe that while i have not been actively working towards my professional goals, i have still grown in each of these situation.
ReplyDeleteWonderful poem! I think that goals are put aside because we often feel like we all the time in the world to acheive them. We need to view each day as a gift and realize that we don't have forever.
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