Penelope on Dreams

We decided on a nearby restaurant to have lunch and chat.

“I used to dream…” 
Penelope had many dreams, but the one she singled out was to be a special-needs teacher. But she is now a public servant. When I pressed her on the disparity between dream and reality, she shared frankly, “What’s stopping me (from living the dream)? Comfort I guess.” We become comfortable with what we have. 

“When you have nothing to lose, you can do anything.” Penelope added. We build up our current lives till there’s much to lose pursuing the dreams we started with.

“Impossible would be the wrong word…”
Before the food arrived, I quickly asked if achieving her dream was still possible. “Impossible would be the wrong word; difficult would be a better word,” Penelope replied with conviction. “…(it) takes alot of courage to chase your dreams…it’s not easy.”

The food arrived and we tucked in. I was still digesting her thoughts when Penelope interrupted my thoughts.

“My greatest weakness, I seldom admit it, is courage…and not (about) capabilities.” I assumed she was talking about achieving her dream about being a special-needs teacher. I didn’t clarify, but simply smiled at her as I continued to work on my fish and chips.

I pray Penelope will someday live her dream. I pray all of us do.

by nicfoo