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Just Imagine

2/1/12 at 11:30 am | 14 Comments   by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

Your imagination is your own fertile field for growing any seedlings that you choose to plant for a future harvest.

You may have been told that you have always been a dreamer, as if this were a fault. I can speak here from experience. Family, friends, teachers, and even advisors frequently disparaged ideas that burned brightly in my imagination. I often heard comments such as, “Wayne, you’re such a dreamer. Get real. You are never going to make it as a writer, or a television performer, or a movie personality. Be realistic—we know what’s best for you.”

When I was being discharged from the Navy at the age of 22, my superiors warned me that starting college at my “advanced age” was loaded with uncertainty, particularly since I had no higher education experience, and I would be competing with younger recent high school graduates. Since I already had a skill as a cryptographer in the Navy, they advised me to pursue what they felt was best for me. But I had a dream—an imagination filled with the idea of teaching, writing, and speaking to large audiences. I saw myself onstage. I saw myself as a prominent author. And this vision could not and would not be sabotaged by someone else’s vision of what I should or could become.

As a young boy in a foster home, I almost always ignored other people’s ideas about what I should be thinking or doing—I simply was indifferent to their opinions regarding what I could imagine for myself. I have carried this kind of inner discipline regarding my own imagination with clarity, refusing to allow external opinions to cancel or diminish what for me was hallowed ground.

Not long ago, others advised me that acting in a movie was not sensible for me as a 68-year-old man with no acting experience. I once again remembered to hang the DO NOT DISTURB sign at the entrance to my imagination, and proceeded to take acting lessons and adopt the self-enforced regimen that allowed me to create a movie. It is a product that fills me with pride today—all because I have diligently practiced the following rule:

Never, and I mean never, allow anyone else’s ideas of who you can or can’t become sully your dream or pollute your imagination. This is your territory, and a KEEP OUT sign is a great thing to erect at all entrances to your imagination.

Stay in a state of grace and gratitude for this resplendent gift that is always yours to do with as you choose.

FILED UNDER: wayne dyer, imagination, dreams, faith, beliefs, aspirations, self-esteem

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Comments (14)

  • 1.
    February 1, 2012
    12:22 pm

    I just viewed The Shift. Have had it for a long time.........and just viewed it. I discovered that what I thought was a physical event involving my heart was really a spiritual event. WOW! Have followed your books and teaching for a long time' You always have exactly what I need when I need it. Thank you.

    - Beverly
  • 2.
    February 1, 2012
    1:34 pm

    thank you. i sometimes share my business idea with people and i am discouraged by them. i did recently meet women at a show who did mentor me and encourage me because they had there business's and i was grateful to meet them. thank you actor - future pet store owner with gratitude and a vision!

    - darcy
  • 3.
    February 1, 2012
    1:36 pm

    Wayne, This piece of advice, which I first read in your books, has had tremendous impact on my life in persuing my dream of being a performing musician and forming my band LYRE. Thank you for your ongoing support as you live your dream.

    - Dave Hoskins
  • 4.
    February 1, 2012
    3:10 pm

    "You may have been told that you have always been a dreamer, as if this were a fault." LOVE this! What would this world be without dreamers? Thanks, Wayne!

    - Barbara
  • 5.
    February 1, 2012
    4:30 pm

    Really appreciate all your posts. When I first heard this idea from you really changed my life, and as you say When you change the way you see things the things you see change Blessings

    - JAMES FONTAINE
  • 6.
    February 1, 2012
    4:33 pm

    YOU HAVE NO IDEA how much I needed 2 be reminded of this 2day. Looking 4 (another) new job, facing the judgements of others, sizing u (me) up, comparing ....it's making me sad....but I know *know* my truth is right around the corner & I can not suppress MY DREAM either.... Thank you

    - VALERIE
  • 7.
    February 1, 2012
    7:21 pm

    Wow!! This is exactly the message I needed to hear today. I have been struggling with the thought of going back to school ( at age 46) to finish a degree I started in 1983. . Thank you for posting this, today. It is never too late to follow your dreams and be true to you.

    - Jeanne
  • 8.
    February 1, 2012
    7:31 pm

    I let my imagination guide me when I decided to pursue Firefighter career. I became a Volunteer Firefighter, went to Paramedic school, and was hired as a paid Firefighter/Paramedic at age 45. What started as a dream ended up in reality with the help of "Inspiration Your Ultimate Calling" and the support of my wife and 3 daughters. Thank You.

    - John
  • 9.
    February 2, 2012
    1:54 am

    Thank you!!! I think that sometimes when people with creativity, vision and inspiration share their ideas, some people who attempt to live safe and conflict free lives feel overwhelmed by the possibilities and discourage those who dare dream. Thank God for the power of Imagination; it's the best pill for life. :)

    - NAIRA
  • 10.
    February 2, 2012
    5:42 am

    love it antonio

    - Mucunda
  • 11.
    February 2, 2012
    10:54 am

    Great metaphor about the KEEP OUT sign. I so needed to read this. I get so excited about new possible avenues for my next career that I sometimes share them with the wrong people and they trample my ideas and then my spirit. Would be wise for me to follow your lead and just take quiet action in the direction of my dreams.

    - Lori
  • 12.
    February 2, 2012
    11:08 am

    Totally identify with your words Dr. Dyer, I think that's why I always admire you. As long as we keep on dreaming, we will keep on manifesting our passions and desires in life. Love it!!!

    - Diana Levy
  • 13.
    February 2, 2012
    2:00 pm

    Thank you ! - I just quote the words of a song to people who try to talk me out of MY dreams. From 'Happy Talk' in South Pacific "You gotta have a dream, if you don't have a dream how you gonna make a dream come true?" I have followed you from the beginning, you are truly an inspiration!

    - Priscilla
  • 14.
    February 2, 2012
    2:16 pm

    Hello, my dearest person in the world! Send you love and blessings from the small and beautiful country Bulgaria! I really do love you sooooo much! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You are my inspiration forever

    - Stoyana

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