What's Your Dream?

I just love the line from the movie Pretty Woman - "Welcome to Hollywood, what's your dream?"

So, as I watch my children grow, I began to wonder what will their dreams be? Zachary has recently become interested in golf. Will he dream of being Tiger Woods? Right now he does. Will he dream of sailing around the world like his Daddy? And Evan, what will he dream of?

I was always a dreamer as a child. I had lots of "dreams." I wanted to become a ballerina. I wanted to open a flower shop in Paris and wear little black skirts every day to work. I wanted to be a Supreme Court Judge.

I didn't always follow through with my dreams. I somehow managed to be a ballerina, briefly, but I never did move to Paris. I didn't go to law school (which is a good thing, since I now realize law and politics aren't for me). I do, however, have lots of little black skirts. I did wear them last time I went to Paris!

My last great dream started a couple of years ago. I began my Pilates teacher training and decided I wanted to open my own Pilates, Yoga, and Bellydance Studio. I was thinking I'd have it up and running as Zachary started Kindergarten. I wanted to do something that this region hasn't seen. I wanted lots of Pilates machines - 5 Reformers, 5 Cadillacs, 5 chairs, tower units, Bosu balls, the works. I was earnestly looking for real estate when I got pregnant with Evan. Although I was overjoyed at the news of having another baby, I was a little disappointed that my dreams had to be put on hold. In retrospect, Evan likely saved us a lot of financial trouble. The equipment I needed to open my studio would have cost around $40,000, plus the cost of a lease and build out. I seriously doubt my little studio (with a 40K SBL) would have prevailed during these difficult financial times. Sometimes things really do work out for the best!

But now Evan's first birthday is rapidly approaching, and I'm entertaining my old dream once again. Ryan, the proven businessman in the family, has said all along I need to build a client base before I launch into something so . . . expensive. So with reality setting in I'm adjusting my dream. I don't want to work all the time. I truly want to just dabble, but dabble with professionalism and integrity. I have to balance my work with my family. Is this possible? It's my dream!

On a related note, I'm taking up golf. I think it will help me teach Pilates to golfers. It's in the 2 year plan. Plus golf opens up a whole new possibility for wardrobe and shoes. Now that's something to dream about!