I Dreamed a Dream

By now, most everyone has seen the video of Susan Boyle and "Britain's Got Talent". So many people are focusing on one of the two lessons her story presents.

The obvious lesson is "don't judge a book by its cover". Everyone in the audience, and the judges, were rolling their eyes at this woman and expecting less than zero. Simon Cowell even asked her why her pursuit of becoming a professional singer had not materialized by now, obviously not ready for what was about to be heard. Her answer, "I haven't really had the opportunity. Here's hoping that will change."

And change it did! When her voice came out so beautifully everyone there was astonished, and ashamed of themselves. She had been written off based on the outside shell. Her hair was a little wild, eyebrows were bushy, little makeup. She was more than being judged. She was completely being written off as a no-talent based on nothing more than her appearance.

So, the obvious lesson was not to judge a book by its cover. We've heard it since childhood but rarely has so perfect an example been presented.

I say the other lesson is this: Follow your dreams!

Here is a woman that is almost 48 years old. Participating in a talent show. Following her dream of becoming a professional singer. How many other folks would have given up by now? Just accepted life in a small village and singing in church and weekly karaoke.

Or my friend that I told you just became a mom. After being married for over 15 years and countless disappointments before finally having an adoption completed. Her Facebook status the other day said this: "....too tired to tremble, but I cry every time I sing to him." By the time lots of women reach 42 or 43 they are no longer thinking of becoming a first time mom. They've accepted their fate and are living their life without children.

So, while we should always be reminded that prejudging a person is rarely a good thing, a lesson in the pursuit of happiness is not bad either. Pull those dreams out of the closet and dust them off!

Maybe you want to open a bakery, or teach children, or live in a big city. Maybe you're an accountant who prefers words to numbers. Maybe you're middle-aged but still have things you want to do in this world while there is still time to do them.

Go for it! You don't necessarily have to quit your day job or make major changes in your life. It could be that you need to keep your eyes open for opportunities and not be afraid to take those baby steps. A love of acting could be played out on a community theatre stage rather than on Broadway, but an audience is an audience. The applause sounds as sweet when you're taking your bow.

You never know who might be watching, or reading. You never know when a child will need a family. You'll never know when a dream might come true.

But one thing is for certain, you'll never know if you quit looking, and dreaming.