We all have dreams. We remember some of our nightly dreams while others are forgotten. These images from sleep are clues to our deeper, richer inner life and are useful in helping us with sudden insights.

We have another kind of dream, one that will satisfy our wishes: I dream I will be famous, successful, looked up to, admired… This more conscious dream is a critical component in creating life satisfaction. As children we are encouraged to dream these dreams, but, as we move into adulthood, we are expected to have determined our destination and to settle in and sail our course.

We have learned to express our dreams in casual conversations. How many times have you heard, “I'm going to write a book” or “I'll try to finish organizing that closet” or “Let's get together soon”? Each of these comments expresses a wish. The speaker is sending out an inauthentic message in most cases unconsciously. Everyone's ready to write a book until he or she sits down to do the writing. A plethora of closets need re-arranging. A multitude of meetings are suggested without a date and time. Listen to how many unintended dreams are expressed daily. No wonder as adults we're encouraged not to waste time dreaming.

There is, however, an important reason for these dreams. We can progress beyond the images and feelings to move these dreams into vision. A vision is different from a dream. According to Blanchard and Stoner in Full Steam Ahead, “Vision is knowing who you are, where you're going and what will guide your journey.” These three principles mirror the Essential DNA^TMsearch to discover “Who am I, What am I meant to become and Who am I meant to serve.”

The captain knows the workings of his ship as well as the nature of her spirit. By discovering who we are, we are able to know what makes up the vessel we are steering. We must understand our authentic selves by investigating strengths, aptitudes, interests and, most importantly, our values.

The ship captain cannot chart the journey without a destination. Learning who we are meant to become reveals a futuristic picture of ourselves. We profit by seeing ourselves in this future having achieved our goals. Effective planning begins at the end and works backward to set the tasks and their order.

Each vessel is built to a specific blueprint based on whether it will carry passengers, cargo or have another destiny. Our life purpose and how we will accomplish our vision are revealed in knowing whom we are meant to serve. Awareness of our purpose allows us to find those whom our services can benefit. These people are the ones who can best help us accomplish our goals by fulfilling theirs.

To make use of our dreams, we need to blend them into the fabric of our lives. This transformation enables us to set a clear destination and course and pursue those dreams based on our authentic values. Once this vision is clear, we are ready to articulate and operate consistently, to set sail on our great adventure.

© Convey Ink 2005