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| Uru Eke |
Dreams: our vivid imaginations and aspiration that birth
endless possibilities in our minds, the promise of real existence. I say real
existence because one cannot truly exist if they are not living their dreams
and being their true self.
We often hear
of ‘a higher purpose,’ and that the human existence will be void of true
accomplishment if we do not find it. Sounds abstract? Let me break it down a
bit, everyone has been made for a particular path that will contribute
immensely to their journey of finding personal fulfillment, but with no
securities promised, each one to his own.
Ever had a dream that utterly scared you and made you
wonder? Welcome to my world once upon a time; but in all, I have found that the
ability for your dreams to thrive and blossom into reality is within you. You
just have to find it in the process.
Going through life in denial of your dreams and the
responsibility it carries may seem like an easy way out, but in the long run it
isn’t.
According to Aruni Futuronsky: “The energy it takes to
ignore an inner longing is greater than the leap of faith it takes to move you
in the direction of your dreams” This is so apt because if it is really your
true passion, it will continue to consume you, and you’ll never quite know what
boundless opportunities could have come your way. Also, the immense
satisfaction it could have brought you.
In pursuing
your dreams, there will be naysayers and divergent perspectives from
gatekeepers, family and friends. Dealing with this can sometimes be the most
difficult, because these are people who you share your life with, whose loyalty
and love you can vouch for, yet they do not share your passion. Now that can be
tough. For me it was no easy feat getting everyone aboard my new chosen path,
an acting career in Nollywood, leaving a prestigious UK career in IT
consulting.
In fact, a
close friend opened up at some point and said to me: “Isn’t it better to pursue
a more traditional and sensible career route other than giving up a juicy IT
job, and going after an acting career in Nollywood?” Not even
Hollywood she said. It was difficult to listen to, but it only
made me more determined to follow my heart and give it my best shot. As Walter
Bagehot said; “The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot
do.”
Make no
mistake, I’m still on a journey towards the full realization of my dreams; but
I must say that, boy has it been rewarding. Having said that I still wake up
everyday with a new drive to push… and that is what passion does. The satisfaction
and inner peace….no words can describe.
The key is to
set out, one step at a time because there is never a good time to get going.
Here is what you should know, accomplishing a dream or a set goal will serve as
a catalyst for bigger accomplishments, it makes you say to yourself, ‘all I do
is win’, and that positive attitude garners wins. On the other hand, a feeling
of un-accomplishment that stems from the lack of action will over time
annihilate your drive and passion for the pursuit of your dreams, presenting
the risk of deep seated regret and never knowing what it could become, how far
you could have gone.
A few things
guided me in my decision to jump ship, I asked myself these questions:
1) Does this
excite you Uru? The answer was “YES”!!!
2) Does it
open up your heart in some special type of way? By opening your heart, I mean
does it make you think outside the box? It stimulates creativity and
excellence.
3) Are you
skilled in this Uru? If not, can it be developed?
Next, I
outlined steps in transiting to my dream career and looked into an immediate
financial plan for the transition process. And so did the journey begin.
No matter what
you are confronted with in accomplishing your dreams, stay inspired and
celebrate your little successes.
It may be a
career change or the fact that you have to move continents or states to kick
start a cause or a skill. My personal mantra is “go out there and get it
because no one will hand it to you” Whatever form your dream takes, pursue it
today. Take a bold step. It won’t be easy, It won’t be fancy, and it may damn
well never work out…but you made an effort. Why live a life of what ifs? When
you can live a life of what you did! Only then can you live a life of
fulfilment.
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