dreams, nightmares, truth and dare

We each have dreams.
If I had my way back when I was in kindergarten, I'd be either fighting fires or floating in space right now.
Dreams are very personal items. They are a reflection of our being, our very soul. Our dreams are kept closest and dearest to our hearts. Because of this, dreams are a portrait of the inner self. It is the manifestation of our desires, our qualities.
For example, from my childhood dreams you can tell I like to help people and I like to reach into ambitious heights. I still do.
It really defines us and molds us into who we are. This is the inside-out influence of who we are.
But as we grow up, culture, society, parents and other norms starts to be ingrained in us. Transforming our being and thus altering our dreams and aspirations. Sometimes disfiguring our dream, sometimes ameliorating it. This is the outside-in influence on who we are.
The beautiful, innocent, pure childhood dream (inner self-portrait) is often disfigured by responsibility and reality. Responsibility to self, to family. The reality that one can't have everything they want.
The nightmare begins.
Living the dreams of others or living a dream out of obligation to others is a painful thing.
Being brought up in a traditional Chinese family, I was always forced-fed the idea that I must become a successful professional that earns a boatload of money. In my earlier years, I'd go to my parents and tell them I wanted to be a firefighter, a policeman, an artist, etc. But each response I got was, "Those don't make money" or "they're not a suitable career for you". Occasionally I'd get the "Being the male of the household, I'd eventually have to support my parents along with my own (future) family". It's a lot of pressure. Soon I found myself giving up my dreams and pursuing dreams that were pushed down to me.
The horror of realizing things don't work out quite like how you envisioned is disheartening. The day I realized being a chess grandmaster doesn't quite pay the bills was also the day my love and passion for the game died.
The truth is, dreams can evolve and change, just as a person can change. I've learned to accept the morphed dreams. It's not bad, as long as you make the dreams your own. Now I view each experience I encounter as one step closer to my ultimate goal, my dream.
Yes, working in certain jobs is totally unrelated to being an architect or a marketing superstar but I know that eventually this path will take me to that destination.
I now issue an open challenge, a dare, to each one of you. Don't lose sight of what you're ultimate dream is. Each situation you're in (whether related to your dream or not), can be used to achieve your own dream.
Live for it but also be accountable to those you care about.
Never give up.
Ask for help when you need, because those who care about you will want to help you achieve your dreams.
Believe in yourself. Know you can make your dream a reality.
Never, NEVER give up.

Your dream in your own hands

A little video bonus: