Dreams Do Come True

Years ago, while I temporarily lived in a dusty coal-mining town on the edge of the Australian Outback, I decided to entertain myself one hot afternoon by purchasing some acrylic paints and a small canvas.

On it, I painted Haystack Rock, as viewed from Ecola State Park, the very antithesis of my landlocked, equatorial existence at the time.

I wish I had this painting still, but unfortunately it was left behind on some Trans-Pacific crossing. I think of it often, and how strong the pull has been for me to one day move to the Oregon Coast, for years, even decades.

I also recall (and still have in a box somewhere) some cut out pictures of a husky and a Subaru that I taped to the bookshelf above my desk in my college sophomore dorm room. I wrote that one day, my goal was to own a husky, own a manual transmission Subaru, and to live on the Oregon Coast.

Fifteen years later, here I am, living in Newport, Oregon, with my two retired sled dogs, and my manual transmission Suzuki Sx4 (close enough).

Precious and Murphy enjoying our first sunset in our beautiful new home.

It took me a while to get here, even though my dream wasn't outlandish or unreasonable. It felt that way for many years because I was more concerned with making others happy first and myself second. I told myself, "They'll come around one day and do the same for me." And then it became very clear that day was never coming. If I continued along that path, my very achievable dream would always be dismissed, and I would continue being a supporting character in someone else's story.

So, with the help and support of a wonderful therapist, I started saying no. I started voicing my needs and desires. It became clear that in order for me to fulfill those needs, I would need to walk away from situations and people. And I did - I walked away. It was scary, it was heartbreaking, but dear lord was it worth it in the end.

Sometimes what's holding you back is lacking the courage to walk away. To look at a mountain peak and admit, "I didn't want to climb this mountain in the first place," turn around, and climb the mountain you always did dream of ascending.

So, admit the hard truths. Be honest and truthful, with others but most importantly with yourself. Dreams can come true, and I can't wait to see what's coming next.