Reflections on My Daughter and the Power of Dreaming

How are you investing in the future? Who are you believing in and helping to gain the confidence they need to believe in themselves?

Nov 22, 2024

So, this week, I’m getting a bit personal and want to gush about my daughter. Hey, it’s my blog, and I can write about what I want, right?

The Magic of Parenthood

Becoming a parent is one of the most magical experiences life has to offer. It certainly has been for me. The act of creating little humans with my wife and then watching them grow and accomplish things is like living an out-of-body experience. These kids carry parts of us—our looks, our quirks—while also becoming their own uniquely creative and skilled individuals. It’s fascinating.

A Lost Sense of Possibility

Growing up, I remember hearing over and over: "You can be anything you want if you put your mind to it." Back then, that sentiment felt so real and full of promise. But somewhere along the way, that magic seems to have faded. We hear so much now about young men feeling lost and purposeless, about teenage suicides and record-high loneliness, about a middle class that’s shrinking and young people crushed by college debt and an inability to afford homes.

Just for perspective: I bought my first house before I turned 25. It was a 1,400-square-foot place I got for $110,000. Today, Zillow estimates it at nearly a quarter of a million dollars. Holy smokes. No wonder young adults feel trapped. It’s easy to see how these societal pressures could stifle the ability to dream, to think creatively, and to envision a positive future.

A Childhood of Hope and Freedom

Back in the ’80s and ’90s, our childhoods were full of freedom and imagination. We played outside until the streetlights came on, and our parents didn’t worry too much about us interacting with strangers. We knew about “stranger danger” and not to get into cars with people we didn’t know, but we weren’t paralyzed by fear. We were free to explore, take risks, and even make some dumb decisions—like the time I threw a rock at a stop sign, hit a passing car, and had to flee on my bike as fast as I could.

But most importantly, we were hopeful. I remember having endless debates about what I wanted to be when I grew up: maybe a farmer, no, an astronaut, or perhaps even the person who digs up dinosaur bones (which I later learned was called an archaeologist).

The Gift of Encouragement

I don’t have all the answers on how to fix our world, but I can tell you what I’m doing in my own family. Right now, my kids aren’t afraid to dream. My daughter, Scarlett, is a great example. She’s tried so many things: arts and crafts, dance, baseball. But over the last year, she’s discovered her passion for theater.

At the end of this past summer, she auditioned for Frozen Jr. and didn’t get accepted. Sure, she was disappointed for a day, but she didn’t let it crush her spirit. She picked herself back up and auditioned for the next play. At just eight years old, she earned a role as an ensemble member and understudy in a local production of The Lion King Jr.. This past weekend, she wrapped up the final performance, and we couldn’t be prouder.

A Future Full of Possibilities

Scarlett dreams of becoming an actor who teaches. Who knows where life will take her? What matters is that she believes in herself, and we’ll be here to support her every step of the way. Watching her navigate the world with hope and excitement gives me a renewed sense of optimism. Through her eyes, I see a world brimming with possibility, and it’s our job to nurture that.

Paying It Forward

So what’s the takeaway here? How are you investing in the future? Who are you believing in and helping to gain the confidence they need to believe in themselves? Maybe, just maybe, the solution to society’s problems isn’t as complicated as it seems. Perhaps it lies in adults and parents being willing to pour their time, energy, and sacrifice into the future, one person at a time.

I don’t know for sure, but I’m committed to doing my part. Have a wonderful weekend.