For a long time I did not understand the power of dreaming; until I started learning from and associating with leaders like Orrin Woodward and George Guzzardo who are founders in the-life-business, From the time we are children we are told to dream big and never let anyone stop us from pursuing those dreams. But then as we grow up, we are told to get real or stop fantasizing on something that will never happen. What happened? When did life give us permission to stop dreaming?
As I write this and look around my bedroom, I never realized it but my room is full of wall hangings, pictures and nic-naks that say “Dream” or “Never give up” or “If you can dream it you can do it.” I even have a dream board hanging next to my closet so when I look for my clothes in the morning I am reminded again of what my dreams are. There must be about 10 reminders in my room to dream. But because I see them everyday, they don’t serve the same purpose as actually visualizing my dream or pursuing my dreams. Just as with all my reminders, we can get so used to the way things are that we forget what we are chasing after.
When I was younger I only had one dream and that was to be a professional basketball player and play for the New York Liberty in the WNBA. For as long as I could remember that was always on the forefront of my mind as I fought my way through the intense sport of basketball for as many as 18 years. When I realized that dream wasn’t going to come true, I started to shrink all other possibilities in my life too eventually throwing in the towel, like so many others do, when it comes to dreaming. I believe the reason so many people quit dreaming is for the fear of disappointment, pain and rejection. It’s just easier to not dream. Dreaming requires sacrifice, hard work and commitment. So is it any wonder why so many people quit dreaming?
The other night I had a great talk with my twin brother who has always done things polar opposite from me. You hear stories of most twins who are inseperable, have so many things in common and do everything together. Well that couldn’t have been further from the truth for Craig and I; he was gifted in media and technology while I was gifted in athletics, he was very sociable while I was very quiet and reserved, he didn’t like to learn in school while I loved to learn. It’s true we didn’t have anything in common but when it came to passion and dreaming in our adult life, we both share that commonality very well. It wasn’t until we both found something we were passionate about that we discovered this similarity.
Craig didn’t know it at the time but he was meant to be a musician. Check out this cute video of him playing the piano at about 2 years old:
Craig went 20 years pursuing hobbies that he thought were his dreams. How many of us can relate? It wasn’t until a handful of years ago (after he graduated college) that he discovered his passion for music – more specifically the piano. He had never played a musical instrument in his life so he didn’t know a thing about reading sheet music or understanding keys. Ultimately Craig taught himself how to play the piano. Still to this day he can only play by ear. While he knows he has a lot to learn, Craig can visualize himself playing in front of 10’s of thousands of people. He can see himself producing records. He told me the other night that he has recorded every piece of music he has ever played even from the first day he started and that when he dies, those recordings will be very valuable. Craig says that when he is playing, it’s euphoric (he is in a state of intense and unbelievable happiness). He says he has never felt this way about anything before. Craig can see his dream so clearly that it is only a matter of time before he is living his dream.
You saw the before – now check out a piece of the after, it speeds up towards the end and he starts to sing also:
Do you have a dream that is so clear, so vivid that you are only moments away from living it? Imagine the life with no dreams? It is not too late. If you still have breath, you can still dream. The-life-business provides a vehicle for non-dreamers to begin to dream again. That’s what it did for me! Orrin Woodward says, “the limiting factor on your success is not the size of the obstacles, but the size of your dream.” Don’t waste anymore time pursuing a life that is dream-less. Dig deep and discover the gifts you have, re-ignite the passion that has been inside you all along and never give up on pursuing your dreams.
Please share how the-life-business or any other vehicle has helped you to dream again. More specifically, what are some of those dreams you are chasing after?
Blessings, Kristen
Feel free to check out www.craigseidl.com for more information on his wedding photography and videography business.
Loved the video of the “budding musician” at the tender age of two! Comparing his newer videos I noticed that, just like then, he can’t sit still on the bench. :-). Great blog, Kristen. Dare to dream.
Agreed Patti! Craig can’t sit still period, in anything he does lol. Dream big my friend!
Kristen: Great stuff. If only more would dare to dream imagin what we could accomplish today. Because of dreams we travel all over the world and to outer space. If we only relize a dream is a wish your heart makes latch on you’ll be surprize where a dream can take you. God bless you and Craig may your dreams come true.
Thanks Bill! I have witnessed the dreams in your heart unfold and it’s a blessing that we live in a country where dreaming is allowed and encouraged! Keep dreaming and never give up on those dreams! See you in Oconomowoc!
That’s an old piano video from 09′. Just wait till you see the ones I produce this next year, my playing has increased 10 fold.
Can’t wait, looking forward to it Craig! Keep chasing your dreams!
First of all Kristen, AWESOME BLOG. Second, you and your brother have true gifts from God! It’s great to see you both embracing them!
The LIFE vehicle has helped me to stop living out other people’s dreams that they had planned for me, and direct me in pursuing my own passions. The greatest part of this vehicle is that it is a win/win situation for everyone involved. You help people get their dreams, which is priceless and extremely rewarding, and in turn you get yours!
Kristen, thanks again for leading by example! You are very inspiring and I respect you very much for the person that you are! God Bless!!
Bobbie, you got it exactly right, the opportunity to pursue your own dreams and passions! It’a hard to find a win-win vehicle that provides that chance. Proud of your for chasing your dreams! Be the example and never give up 🙂
I have discovered in the last year and a half my passion is writing books. My life
long dream came true almost a year ago when ”Change For The Bettor” was written and published. Imagine sharing with the world your thoughts, beliefs and passions about life or recounting life’s key moments and learning from them. The LIFE business will teach me and show my the rest of the way. Hopefully, I will encounter many people to ride along with me. My hats off to Craig and Kristen, alias ”Night and Day”!
Thanks Randy, it certainly has been providential for you to join the LIFE community with your background in publishing books. You have done something most people will never accomplish. Time to re-set the dream and reach higher than you ever thought possible. Proud of you!
Kristen- that is so cool- I’m so glad you and you’re brother got to spend some quality time together and he shared his dreams with you. Very cool. You have both been blessed with amazing talents. Keep on dreaming!
That means a lot Joanne! You and Kurt are on your way to accomplishing so many incredible dreams. You are serving and leading in a big way and one thing I know for sure is that God honors commitment. Let’s reach more people with the LIFE business and go show people the power of the dream. Blessed to be in the battle with you!
Great blog, thanks for sharing Craig’s pathway to his dream and talent with us. Each twin with his/her own strength, and gift to share with the world. So glad our paths crossed, God’s plan is always perfect.
Amen Imelda! Nothing happens by accident! Proud to be in the battle with you!
Excellent blog. We need more people like you who point out that the pilot light inside is just waiting to become a blaze! God Bless, George
George, you are exactly right! Every person has a pilot light inside them and it’s our responsibility to help others identify theirs. Your pilot light is now a massive blaze that can be seen through your eyes! Thanks for all that you do!
Hey Kristen! I am a young lady in the LIFE business and on my parents team, they are with Tim Marks. I like your blog and believe in what your doing. Inspiring the people that are at the verge of giving up or maybe already have but your telling them that they can do it. Romans 8:31 is so amazing! ‘If God be for us, who can be against us?’ Keep shining forth even when the darkness seems the norm…cause its not! Its wrong, and we know that our God will guide us to our dreams if we trust Him with our heart.:)
Your fellow sister in Christ,
Samantha
p.s. feel free to check out my blog.
Thanks for your comment Samantha! Your thinking is spot on and it’s inspiring to hear how you are making a difference for the next generation! You are working with an incredible group of people with Tim and Amy Marks and I look forward to seeing you rise up in the LIFE business! Keep leading 🙂 I will definitely check out your blog. Thanks, God Bless!