I find myself to be embarrassingly open about my personal life. From social media to stand up comedy, I like to reveal a lot about who I am and what I've been through. I find that it provides a more honest method of storytelling. I also desire to create genuine connections between myself and others. My brother died months ago, and that's something that I've kept from no one. Sometimes I have to talk about it, just to come to terms with the fact that it actually happened. I never wanted to experience the death of a loved one. But, alas.
My brother and I had similar goals. We both desired to be storytellers. He especially loved writing, and had dreams of being a filmmaker and writer. Despite our quarrels, we played on the same team. Two young black men who desired to beat the odds of the world and accomplish our dreams. He didn't get a chance to see his dreams realized. I've often pondered since his death, where our dreams go when we die.
Being a creative type, I'm often asked questions like
-"What do you plan to do with that degree?"
-"How are you going to make a living?"
-"Do you have a plan?"
Aside from being sent into the occasional panic attack, I've found comfort in these questions. They remind me that the world isn't built for you. You're constantly moving against it. But since my brother's death, I've understood more than ever how important it is for you to fight for your dreams.
The idea of accomplishing things for the sake of your own relatively short time on this Earth has been beaten to death, but for good reason. We need to start teaching the youth the importance of finding joy in your work. If you dream of being a doctor go for it. If you dream of writing plays? Still, go for it.
I don't know where your dreams go when you die, but I do know that while you're here, you should make your dreams into a reality. In ten years, I want to be asked questions like
-"What kept you going?"
-"Why didn't you give up?"
-"How did you do it?"
We, anyone with a goal that feels far fetched or lacks practicality, should unite in our supposed naievte and remember just how small this world is.
