Dream On!
Posted on 08. Feb, 2010 by EveAnnunziato in Leadership
My dream once was to sing like my dear friend, Trisha Davis! But, that’s never going to come true…
In fact, I’ll never forget my singing solo debut in the 6th grade. Recital night, I followed the young girl performing Italian Opera. I sang a dramatic rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” My memory of this event is rather vivid. When it was over, my parents and my sister gave me a standing ovation. They were the only three clapping – I kid you not. I ran up to my parents following my “interesting” performance and they simple stated – (Get ready for this because it’s an Annunziato classic family story), “You were the best singer up there. Now, what do you think about playing sports?” Honestly! Turns out, I went on to have a four letter sports career in all of my middle and high school years of track, basketball, field hockey, and lacrosse and continued to play sports even at the college level. Just goes to show that sometimes, OTHERS can realistically see the potential of YOUR dreams better than YOU! But, I had to try it myself… And that’s my point…
Truthfully, as I matured, I discovered my own strengths, passions, gift and talents, sans singing in public. My dreams became more realistic. Perhaps, rather too narrow – maybe even too restricted? After all, do our ambitions ever become too conventional? I’m just asking…
While Gordon MacKenzie was working as a creative illustrator at Hallmark Cards for 30 years, he spent each fall visiting classrooms and teaching children about discovering their creative passions.
In one of my fave books about exploring our own creative genius that flourishes within each of us , Orbiting the Giant Hairball, MacKenzie shares the following story:
I always began with the same introduction in each classroom. ‘Hi my name is Gordon MacKenzie and, among other things, I am an artist. I’ll bet there are other artists here, too. There have to be with all the beautiful pictures and designs you have hanging in your classroom and up and down the halls. I couldn’t help but notice them when I first got here this morning. So many bright colors and cool shapes. I’m curious, how many artists are here in the room? Raise your hands!’
The pattern of responses never varied:
First grade: the children leapt from their chairs, arms waving widely and eagerly. Every child was an artist.
Second grade: about half the kids raised their hands, shoulders high.
Third grade: at best 10 kids out of 30…tentatively and self-consciously would put up their hands.
Less and less through the grades. By sixth grade, most of the time, no kids responded. Occasionally he had one or two who would guardedly raise their hand ever so gingerly and uneasily admitting that he/she were an artist.
Gordan has his theory about why that is, and I have my own:
I truly believe by the time we hit High School, we have been trained to repress our dreams especially if they aren’t conforming or fall into a tame and small little box our society refers to as “normal.” Additionally, the older we get the less our dreams receive positive validation from family and loved ones. Furthermore, because we fear ridicule or mockery from friends, and the people with “influence” we like and don’t like yet try to impress, we tend to inhibit any outlandish goals.
My take away from MacKenzie: let’s put cultural standards of limitations aside. I suggest we never give up on our dream(s). Avoid putting a cap on your imaginative brilliance. I know deep down you have many more desires and ventures you would like to explore. My prayer is that we spend 2010 with a renewed revelation that our aspirations can come to fruition. My challenge is that, starting right now, we all raise our hands high with confidence and zeal (Come on now, let me see them!)!
16 Responses to “Dream On!”
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08. Feb, 2010
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08. Feb, 2010
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08. Mar, 2010
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Sweetie!: Can't wait! Such a great group! ...
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Lindsey Nobles: I'm in! ...
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Katie Barnes: I wish I could make it out to an event, but I woul...
Lindsey_Nobles
08. Feb, 2010
We all would love to be able to sing like Trish. It's just not fair
Or I would like to be able to direct like Eve. Not fair.
I have been actively trying to define and confess my dreams. Created a series called Drafting Blueprints on my blog that is just this. And it has been so freeing to be real and talk about what I really am dreaming about.
Great post Eve!
Eve Annunziato
08. Feb, 2010
Hee hee!
What a great idea, Lindsey. Headed over to your blog now to read more… I love the idea of drafting a blueprint of my dreams. I tend to accomplish much more when it's down on black or blue and white
MelissaBrotherton
08. Feb, 2010
Wow! Thank you for sharing this. This is something I have been thinking about a lot lately, in fact I recently wrote a post about this on my blog. I realized through the confidence my children have in their own abilities (or lack thereof) that I have completely limited the things I feel God is capable of doing in my life. I have forgotten how to dream big. I'm with you…raising my hand up high…believing that I CAN do it!
Eve Annunziato
08. Feb, 2010
Yea, Melissa! We really can learn a lot from watching our kids and how they react to life now can't we?! So glad this helped to motivate you. Keep me posted…
Charlie
08. Feb, 2010
Great post, Eve. So much of what we achieve in life is rooted in our belief in what we can do. As Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can or can't – you're right." What a great reminder to pay less attention to what society expects of you and remember to be your own person. I've had so much fun watching you use your leadership skills at Cross Point. Your husband is VERY proud of you, Eve!
Eve Annunziato
08. Feb, 2010
Aww, thanks Chuck!! You're sweet and I appreciate your support. It has been a blast and honor dreaming w/ ya!! Love doing life together!
Oh and GREAT word from Ford! Awesome
marcia ramirez
09. Feb, 2010
What a wonderful post Eve! Glad to have you back in the blogging world…. you have SO much to share!! We missed you!!
Lori Reed
09. Feb, 2010
So glad you are back blogging. I always find something in your posts that gives me new hope. If that singing career took off you may never had the time to reflect and help us reach our dreams.
Eve Annunziato
09. Feb, 2010
Hey Sista! Love you and miss you. And, thanks for giving me a standing ovation even when I did stink back then and for always standing and applauding now even when I stink
I always appreciate your support! You're the best 
Hilda
09. Feb, 2010
Love this post Eve!
Eve Annunziato
09. Feb, 2010
Love you
Tina Dee
09. Feb, 2010
I love this post. It's a wake-up call to me about how I've been stuffing my hope, the dream that in one minute I'll tell you God has called to to and gift me, and the other minute I slink away and say it's just a silly dream and everyone else is doing it and doing it better than me. Today is the first of a change of thought, change of heart, because God spoke to me through your post. Thank you so much for your words. I'm hearing God tell me through them that I should dare to dream, and that He's daring me to make them happen.
Eve Annunziato
09. Feb, 2010
Amen, Tina! Honored God used these humble words to speak to your soul. I'm so happy you're daring to dream and dream BIG! Keep us posted not if but when you make them happen!! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your insight.