“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” – Langston Hughes

When I was little, I used to wish on shooting stars. Sometimes the wishes were simple: “I wish I had a new bike.” As I grew, they got more complex: “I wish [crush of the year] liked me.” Eventually, I think I quit wishing.

I was always taught that I could do whatever I wanted, be whatever I wanted, if I just worked hard enough. But then I was discouraged from pursuing my dreams. “You’ll never make enough money being a writer to survive.” “You can’t study creative writing in college.” “You need a more sustainable career.”

I quit wishing. I quit dreaming.

The passion went dormant for a little bit, and I felt like I was floating aimlessly through life. I wasn’t fulfilled.

Now, the timing is all wrong. I have two young kids that both need and deserve my time. I have a part-time job. We have a house that needs attention. I have a husband whom I love.

But the dream is back. I’m not going to wish upon a star, I’m going to chase the shooting star, grab it by the tail, and make it happen.

Will I succeed? Will I create an income that we could live on if we needed to? I have no idea. But the passion is back inside me, and I’m going to fuel that fire. I’m going to go on this wild ride and see what happens because I’m tired of pushing part of myself back down.

This broken-winged bird is healing, and I’m going to fly into the stars. Fly with me!