How Was Work Today?

September 27, 2008 by Aspen Eggimann · 5 Comments

I had to hold back a laugh a few days ago when I heard the above question. My cousin had just asked it to his brother in law.

The reason for my laughter? I was caught up in seeing the huge difference in the two people having this conversation about work. My cousin, David, had just gotten back leading a group, myself included, backpacking and exploring in Mexico. As part of his work he takes small groups down to Copper Canyon on cultural/humanitarian work. The trip goes thru the third world area of Copper Canyon to visit the Tamarah indians. Filled with helping people and moment by moment adventures. When he is not in Mexico he teaches wilderness survival. He doesn’t do it for money and he certainly doesn’t do it for prestige. He does it because its his passion, his dream.

As he asked his brother in law the “How was work today?” question I thought I saw a twinkle in his eye. “Oh you know, its work.” was the long faced reply. He brother in law is a banker.

Neither one leads a life the other should be leading. But one has a job, the other a dream come true.

After the humorousness of the moment was gone I was left deeply impressed by what I had seen. And it made me think a lot about my life and those around me.

I am sure most have heard the quote;

“Most people spend their lives working at a job they don’t like, to get money they don’t need, for things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.”

This may be an extreme statement on first hearing it, but for most it rings partially true.

Many people lead a life wishing they could do or be something they aren’t doing. They have a dream that they want to live, and yet when asked if they are living that dream they aren’t.

I believe everyone has a dream. Maybe from childhood, maybe not, but its real none the less. Dreams are important to an individual. When talking to people about their dream they come alive, their eyes sparkle and their voice gets excited. And then comes a statement I am sure we have all heard and said, “Oh well, maybe someday.” and the sparks are gone, the passion fizzles out and they go back to life just thinking about their dream.

Men and women all have a dream. Not just some or those who have thought about it or have been told they should have one. I mean ALL. Every single person if you search long enough has a dream inside them. And most of them aren’t living it.

The excuses for not living a dream are wide ranging. No money, no time, no resources, no skills, no support. In other words, no reason.

Why don’t we live our dreams?

Simple question, hard to answer. The answer is hard because it is so elusive. You really can’t tell why exactly. The excuses we use are just that… excuses. So what is the real reason? Fear? Laziness? Lack of faith?

If you are scared well… you should be. Living a life of dreams is scary. Not in the spooky sense. But in the difficulty and challenges. Its not easy and you will be tried, talked out of it, have road blocks put in your way and cross into unknowns. Yes it is scary. But worth it? Completely.

As for being lazy there really is no other reply then to get off your rump and start working. This life is short and there is no time to waste.

There is an old western quote that says;

“The cowards never started and the weak ones died on the way.”

At least start. Then you can figure out the rest as you go. But the truly strong start living their dreams now.

If we live a life without faith then it is no life. You were given your dreams for a reason and there is no power that would give you dreams and desires only to not give you a way of fulfilling them. Have a little faith.

“To dream anything you want to dream. That’s the beauty of the human mind. To do anything that you want to do. That is the strength of the human will. To trust yourself to test your limits. That is the courage to succeed.” - Bernard Edmonds

We are limitless in our capabilities, endless in our resources and have and untold potential to build anything we can imagine. So why hold back?

What is the one thing that makes you come alive? The one thing you would die for, or more importantly, live for?

What is your dream? And what do you need to do to start living it?