Do you have a dream? Maybe you want to open a restaurant, or start a business, or become a painter, or start a family, or write a great novel. Whatever your dream might be, I suspect that it may take a bit of sacrifice to get there. Maybe sacrifice is too serious a word. If not sacrifice, then a few decisions. What are you willing to say no to in order to say yes to your dreams?
I remember a conversation that Jeremy and I had, early on, when we were sitting in our first Brooklyn sublet, eating soft boiled eggs on the floor. We had no furniture, no jobs, no money and we were two weeks away from being homeless. It was all a bit Withnail and I and a tad depressing. We had big plans but we had yet to sell a book or launch a business.
With egg dripping off his toast soldiers, Jeremy asked me to list all the things that I really wanted (or wanted to do) that I was willing to give up:
- Long stints of travel
- A predictable life
- A safe, healthy bank account
- Saving for a house
- Some beautiful possessions
- A good work, life balance
- An apartment with doors
- Plenty of time outdoors
On another sheet of paper we wrote down the things that we refused to give up:
- Each other
- Seeing our friends
- Closeness to our family
- Good food
- Writing and the success of the business
Our list has changed since then, it has grown and evolved with us. But it was helpful to have to keep us on track early on.
So what do you want and, perhaps more importantly, what will you give up to have it?
I am halfway through writing a post about following your dreams. This is wonderful. You kids are truly an inspiration. good on you. 🙂
Thanks Rachel and keen to read your piece!
I know it’s not meant to be funny but I couldn’t help laughing at how “an apartment with doors” was on your things you could live without list! Brilliant.
Luckily, we do in fact have two doors – a front door and door on the loo…otherwise it might all be a tad too friendly. The joy of NY apartments.