Who are we if not our dreams?

Lately, I’ve been contemplating our identities when we don’t meet the expectations we’ve set for ourselves—whether in relationships, careers, or personal growth.

Dreams are powerful; they ignite our motivation and guide us on our paths, urging us to flourish and evolve.

Yet, dreams can be like two sides of a coin.

They can propel us toward the sky and galaxy, and let us fall and crash with the heaviness of gravity.

With every blessing, there can also be a burden.

What happens when I fail to meet my own expectations? When I don’t reach the goals I’ve outlined, or when I realize that what I fought so hard for is not what I truly desire?

I love being a dreamer; I find life and fulfillment in my dreams. They spark a fire within me, but sometimes I become so attached to my visions of the future that I overlook the richness of who I am right now.

We are not solely defined by our dreams; we are real now.

Sometimes, I forget that there’s nothing I need to do or achieve—I don't have to be anything other than what I already am.

When I realize that my expectations, or how I imagine others perceive me with admiration, are strategies I created in my confused mind to support an invalid thought of not being marvelous enough, it calls me to wake up and remember what I already know.

Recognizing this illusion allows me to release the stress and weight I carry on my shoulders and in my body. I can be whoever I want, change, deconstruct, and reconstruct over and over again, because the strength comes from within.

Simply breathing in this moment grants me the right to embrace the world.

I realize I carry stardust in my bones, the stories of my ancestors, a lineage of wise women, and the powerful divine energy within me. As I close my eyes and let go of the expectations I placed on myself, I reconnect with what can redirect my path.

What’s beautiful is that uncertainty, confusion, and grief break my heart open to new perspectives we’ve yet to imagine, but that life has always known for a fascinating reason.

We are layers unfolding, discovering our authenticity beyond expectations, situations, and reflections.