When I hear the word “dream” I think, big, bold, daring. I think, support and hard work. I know it takes a strong person to follow their dreams. It takes someone who knows they have a burning desire in them and an idea worth sharing with others.

To speak those dreams into the universe is just the start to making them happen. Finding people to support you along your journey is the next step.

“I have a dream…”

Martin Luther King Jr. shared these words, and many others, with more than 250,000 people in August 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington.

Since then they have been shared with so many more people and offer hope and inspiration.

I think this speech is one of the most powerful in our nation’s history. It shows that someone, like Dr. King, had the burning desire to share his voice, advocate for others and be a catalyst for change.

Some people didn’t support him in any way, and that will happen. But more importantly, he got people on his side to help follow through with his dreams.

One of his lines, “…even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream.” This to me feels like something I need to remind myself of daily. Even when everything feels chaotic, out of sorts and just flat-out crazy, remain hopeful and keep dreaming. If for no one else, for yourself. Give yourself something good to focus on and work toward.

I think with the New Year being here and a lot of people making resolutions (also, here is your check-in…are you keeping to them?) we want to make changes.

Whether it be changes in our own lives or to help better those around us. We want to have a “fresh slate,” a new start to the new year.

I’m sure you’ve seen these phrases everywhere about “Do we really stick to our resolutions?” “Tips and tricks for becoming the best you in 2019.” Well, you’re in luck (for real this time) because I am here to challenge you.

Unless you have religiously been sticking to resolutions, big congratulations, let’s start fresh now.

In 2019, I challenge you to come up with a dream or two.

Let’s be clear that one way “dream” is defined, by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is “a strongly desired goal or purpose.”

One of the definitions for “resolution” is, “Something that is resolved.”

Dream just sounds more empowering. So, please, do me a favor and, in the end, yourself a favor and pick a dream. Make a plan as to how you will work to accomplish it each day. If you want, write to us at the muleskinner@ucmo.edu let us know your dream. We can feature them, maybe have an accountability aspect.

Holding yourself accountable or having a buddy or team can make all the difference.

Best of luck on your dream endeavors. Do them for you and let’s make this year another great one.