Dear Dreamer,

You may not know me but I believe that you are an inspiration. To have a passion that you seek to make tangible in your everyday life takes a lot of determination. I will not call you a fearless crusader, because although you are a crusader, you are not fearless. The fear that you overcome every day to dare to believe in your dream makes you an expert of craft. You have been told that you are absurd and silly, that you’re naïve, and maybe even that you are not enough to achieve the things that you want.

First, being absurd and silly is a good thing. It has helped you see the humor in a tough situation and that is always a bonus.

Second, a childlike sense of naivety is absolutely required to be a thinker and a doer. You really think that Shel Silverstein, Elon Musk, or David Bowie weren’t considered a little naïve when they shared their ideas and dreams with others? Of course they were, and that is what made them influential. To be creative, you must question and have a sense of relentless curiosity.

Finally, you are enough. All of the messy bits of you and your quirky intricacies are so much more than enough. If anyone tells you the opposite, respond with kindness. They may have been told exactly what they are telling you now and it has left them bitter. Tell them that they are enough, and bloom with compassion.

For the days that you feel you may not be the best at what you have chosen, remember that you are your own worst critic. The people who witness, read, or take part in your creations will have completely different thoughts about it than your own. See your work, be positively critical, and take pride in your finished product. Do not be afraid to share it with others. It is terrifying to put your experimental heart on the line, but if you hide it forever it will be a waste of your talents.

You, dreamer, have no idea how beneficial you are. The world has a way of turning us into “realists.” Yes, every person should have a grip on the reality with which they are presented, but too often do we find “being realistic” as synonymous with “giving up.” You will be faced with difficulties and situations in which you may want to put your hopes in a different direction and that is okay; but I hope that whichever direction you choose, you sprint instead of meander. I pray your passion never subsides.

You are the filmmakers, the teachers, the inventors, the musicians, the mathematicians, the athletes, the biologists, the politicians, the writers, the artists, the hard foundation upon which we all live our lives. You create the reality that surrounds the human experience.

For all of this, and for the dreams that you will instill in future generations, I thank you.

Best of luck,

An Admirer