What keeps us from reaching for our dreams?
Fear, life, self-doubt, discouragement?
Our childhood dreams seem so realistic.
Adults always asked us, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
We’d answer with certainty and innocence.
“I want to be President!”
And we meant it!
We had no idea that life might have other plans for us.
Perhaps we already experienced broken hearts, shattered dreams, and unattainable goals?
But, for the most part, as children, we believe in ourselves.
We believe that what we want, is what we’ll get.
I don’t want my kids to loose the innocence and reality of childhood dreams.
I want them to become adults who reached for the stars and grabbed them all!
I recently came across this piece of memorabilia.
I was 8 years old.
A third grader.
I had already experienced things that affected my outlook on life.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was already being shaped into the adult I am today.
Divorce had already affected me.
We moved. Alot.
I had no contact with my biological mother.
I had a wonderful family, siblings, and two parents who loved me.
But, things had already begin to shape my character.
My fears.
My self doubt.
Things I had no control over.
I was child.
I was innocent.
Naive.
I always knew I wanted to write, and in 1987, I believed I could.
In fact, I’m pretty sure I already thought I was an accomplished author and illustrator!
If I were a butterfly,
I’d fly to the beautiful bright blue sky.
If I were the Shining glare of the sun,
I’d shine on everybody just for fun.
If I were a fish in the sea,
I’d just enjoy being me.
If I were a robin that could spread it’s wings,
I’d thank God for letting me sing.
If I were a fuzzy-wuzzy bear,
I’d thank the person that gave me hair.
If I were a swiggly-wiggly worm,
I’d thank God for letting me squirm.
If I were a kangaroo,
I’d hop right to you!
I love that my bio says that I’ve written “about” eight books.
I must have had one in the works?
I miss this little girl.
I’m 34 now.
When I grow up, I still want to be a writer.
******
{Follow your dreams, my bloggy friends!}
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At first, I thought… ugh… divorce….ugh… missing mom…. ugh….. lots of moves. That made me like this-
Bu,t I love that you’ve always had writing. You’ve nurtured it from a young age. I love your illustrations! And, I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. I think I better hurry up! LOL!
Emma @Your Doctor’s Wife recently posted..Tween Tales: Colors
Twitter: themommymess
says:
I had a great childhood. My mom that raised me was wonderful, but there were things that affected me. As there would be for any child that lives the consequences of others. As an adult, I can look back and see how some of these things shaped my fears, personality, and dreams.
I loved finding this little gem. It was actually quite inspiring.
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
This is so good!
bonnie ferrell recently posted..We are all in this together. Aren’t we?
Twitter: themommymess
says:
Awww! Thanks, Bonnie!
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
Twitter: finallymom
says:
oh how stinking sweet is this?!? i love love love that not only do you still have the story, but you have the illustrations and everything. so perfect. i hope you share with your kids.
christina recently posted..Broccoli Crunch Salad
Twitter: themommymess
says:
I’m sort of inspired by this little girl! I’m thankful to have the piece, too! I did show them. They weren’t nearly as excited about it as I was. Haha.
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
Oh, how I love this. Indeed it’s all about dreams.
Aidan Donnelley Rowley recently posted..What We Avoid
Twitter: themommymess
says:
It is! Thanks for reading!
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
So cute! Isn’t it amazing to come across things that you have done in the past and realize how far you have come?
Erin recently posted..Memorial Day
Twitter: themommymess
says:
This find was a bit emotional for me. I am so happy to have it.
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
I love your story. You were so accomplished at 8. I also want to be a writer when I grow up. (I am 42)
Vivian recently posted..You might be a redneck if…
Twitter: themommymess
says:
I know! I had it going on!
I’m thinking it’s not that bad! 
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
I love this! You were talented then and you are talented now. My son is 8 years old now and he wants to be a physicist. I should have him write that down so that if that’s where he ends up he can see for himself that he fulfilled his childhood dreams. Thanks for sharing this – truly beautiful.
Shannon Vander Meulen recently posted..Safer Lives When We Played With Knives
Twitter: themommymess
says:
Thank you!!
You should totally have him write it down.
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
oh, sweetie. I have never been here before (I don’t think?), but this?
Is so lovely. What a treasure to have!
I have something similar in my keepsakes box, but it’s nothing this elaborate.
LOVE!
erin margolin recently posted..I am Worth Hearing.
Twitter: themommymess
says:
I loved finding this! You totally made my day with the RT! <3 Thanks for coming by!
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
Adrienne, what are you waiting for?! That makes a great children’s book. You should send it in for the 8 year old you were then and the 34 year old you are today. It’s that good! I want to be a writer, too. I have to get off my rump and make things happen because no one is going to do it for me.
AnnMarie recently posted..Five Things I am Proud of
Twitter: themommymess
says:
Awww! That is so sweet! Maybe I should try to find somebody to publish it. It could be an inspiration to all of us to get off our asses and follow those childhood dreams! I actually love my little poem. It’s so sweet. I remember writing it, and I remember the teacher telling me I had to change some of it. At the end I thanked God for everything. The worm, the bear, the bird…she wanted me to switch it up. IDK? I think thanking God for EVERYTHING is fitting. <3
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
Aw, that’s cute! About 8. You know, too many to count, really.
Mayor Gia recently posted..Awards, Announcements, and Other Things
Twitter: themommymess
says:
Right?! I mean I’m too busy with my novels and everything to keep track for you people.
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
Twitter: AccidentalDesig
says:
I just love you, kid!
Twitter: themommymess
says:
and I love you!
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
You ARE a writer! I think thats the most important thing to teach our kids. That dreams can still be fulfilled even if it has to be fulfilled in a way we hadn’t imagined. You wanted to be a writer. You wanted to share your stories. you wanted to touch peoples lives with your words. You are doing that. Maybe your not a world famous novelist or stinkin rich from writing books. but never doubt for one second you aren’t a writer.
Great post!
Carrie recently posted..My husband
Twitter: themommymess
says:
Carrie, thanks for this! I needed that!
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
This is SOOO cute, what a great memento to look back at!
laurel recently posted..Memorial Day- A Day of Remembrance
Twitter: themommymess
says:
Thank you! I’m really happy I found it!
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
I had no idea what I wanted to be at 8. At 42 I’m still unsure of what I would like to be. I just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Vanessa recently posted..5 Things About Yard Work With The Boyfriend
Twitter: themommymess
says:
That’s a good technique! Some days I feel like I can’t even do that!
Adrienne recently posted..When I Grow Up (Again)
I love this. Love it!!
Kristen recently posted..People Never Plan to Be Us…
Twitter: themommymess
says:
Thanks, girl! I love YOU!
Love this post!
Kathy Kramer recently posted..Death Rides a Brown Oldsmobile (with Aftermarket Cruise Control)
What an excellent children’s story! And what is stopping you from publishing it now?
I’m with you, I want to be a writer when I grow up. I am not going to mention my age.
William Dameron recently posted..The Best for Last
What a treasure to find that book! Ellen
Sisterhood of the Sensible Moms recently posted..The Best Homes Are People Not Places
Beautiful and what fantastic illustrations! I love everything about this post.
Robbie recently posted..There’s No Crying at the Park
I love this! It made me teary.
Oh what a gorgeous story and pictures, Adrienne!
You can still do it. Don’t give up on your dream.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Toddler ‘Tude
To be a writer all you have to do is write. You already are.
kristin recently posted..DealAngel: The revolutionary new way to find hotel deals
And so you did grow up to be a writer. I loved your 8 yr old story. It’s really sweet, and well written!
Oh how I love this. Adrienne you make me smile. I hope you reach for your dreams
Delilah recently posted..Show Us Your House: Living Room Tour
I love that you have this- childhood optimism and certainty to look back on.
Shell recently posted..Pour Your Heart Out: When Mom Misses Something Important
What a super cute bio! “About 8″ is the cutest thing ever.
Good luck with your dream! I bet you can do it!
Dawn Beronilla recently posted..Sunshine And Rainbows Start With You.
I love your book. It reminds me of song JDaniel learned at school this year.
JDaniel4′s Mom recently posted..Lipton Honey and Tea Review with Tips for Staying Refreshed
Omg, I love this!! That is a great book that should be published immediately!!!!
Ladygoogoogaga recently posted..Birthdays, Bikes and Bruises
Very cute! You ARE a writer. Go chase that dream. That is what I miss the most about being a kid- the idea that we really could do anything.
Karen recently posted..Follow Friday- May 25
That was really awesome! I mean more then awesome! You are a natural born and gifted writer. This post really inspired and encouraged me. Thank you and God bless you. I am definately subscribing.
First, I love your childhood poem! I love going back and reading what I did as a child.
Second, I think you are teaching your children to become adults who believe in their dreams because you are pursuing yours. You are writing.
The best way we can teach our kids is to be that which we want them to learn.
Amanda recently posted..Why Blog
I loved that part “about 8 books” too! So childlike and perfect. Great post.
Michelle Longo recently posted..Uncool.
Thank you for this, Adrienne! I love your poem and I love how you’ve envision who you wanted to be since 8! Way to go
jamie recently posted..Do you sing in the shower or in the car?
I remember writing a ghost story when I was in 4th grade. I sure wish I still had it!
I don’t feel at all grown up, but my goals sure have changed. I’ve wanted to be a ballerina, an astronaut, even a paleontologist! Now I’d like to get my act together and become a medical assistant. It isn’t a grand as the dreams I once had, and reality had a lot to do with shaping it, but it’s a goal nonetheless!
Nicole recently posted..Kindergarten Graduation Pictures
that little girl you were seems to have known something, right? here she is, still speaking her mind and making herself heard.
deborah l quinn recently posted..Monday Listicle: Home
It’s funny how we grow up and then look back. I too wanted to be a writer. I did write a novel a few years back, and plan to write another one … sometime!
Carolyn recently posted..Pay Your Bills, Check Your Boobs
Beautiful spin on a tough subject.
And your pictures look better than many I see in current kids’ books. Perhaps you should be an illustrator?
Jay- The Dude of the House recently posted..Two-Line Tuesday: Mini Horse Race
Not only ARE you a writer, you’ve always BEEN a writer. I really love this and think you should publish it. Precious!
Jennifer Worrell recently posted..33 Words About Assertiveness Training
Twitter: themommymess
says:
thank you so much! Since last week, I’m wondering if I should try. Of course I have no idea how to do that or even where to start??