Explore versus Dream

"What are your dreams?" "Live your dreams!" "The life of your dreams." 

Please. Can we move on now? I've got a bit of a headache.

I don't know how we got all wrapped up in the whole turn-your-dreams-into-reality thing, but it's another potentially false construct. Now, before you do anything, you have to have a Dream. A Big Dream. A Big Dream to live up to. A Big Dream that you must devote everything in your life to. A Dream for which you're willing to sacrifice anything. A Dream you must not fail.

Why? 

Isn't it more true that what you really have is a desire? Or an imagined vision of a better you?  Or a world that’s a little better?

And isn't it easier and more fun to simply explore that? If you think you would like painting, try it. You don't have to dream of being a great artist. If you end up loving it, you'll do more of it and have a joyous time along the way.

The Dream demands you set up a room, buy the smocks and paints, and agonize over perfection.

The Exploration lets you get some finger paints and paper and spend a happy afternoon making a mess. 

The Dream can consume you in expectations and failure. The Exploration lets you play and move on if it's not right for you.

There's a big world out there meant to be savored. Here's a heretical thought -- you don't have to be shackled to a dream to discover it.