A recent episode of "How I Met Your Mother" (I have no idea which episode because I've been binge-watching it, but it is in season six) really got me thinking about some of my philosophies in life. In this particular episode, Marshall (a new lawyer) tells his wife Lily that he has decided to not chase his lifelong dream of becoming an environmental lawyer, and will continue working for a corrupt banking company because he wants to be able to make enough money to buy Lily and his future children whatever they desire. Lily is shocked and disgusted, and tells Marshall that she wants the "old him" back, the one who is inspired and passionate about his dreams of saving the environment, because that is the man she fell in love with. By the end of the episode, Lily realizes that she and Marshall had both changed, and she should embrace the changes. The show ended on a happy note, as usual, but it left me thinking about what dreams of mine I have chosen not to follow.

I've had a wide variety of dreams throughout my life. I've wanted to develop superpowers and become a member of the X-Men. I've wanted to perform on Broadway and become a famous singer. I've wanted to own a private island and have my country (this is still a dream of mine). Basically, I am like every other person in the world who has a lot of dreams that may or may not be realistic. But eventually, we all reach a point in time where we can decide if these dreams are realistic, and if we should pursue them. I realized fairly quickly that I do not enjoy science enough to pursue my dream of inventing superpowers (I also realized this was an impossible dream to achieve) I realized that unless a miracle occurs, I will never be able to afford to buy a private island. I decided that I could go to school and pursue a different career than that of a Broadway performer, and I could achieve other dreams that way. And although it can be heartbreaking, choosing to let go of some of your dreams is okay.

I have chosen to pursue new dreams involving other things I am passionate about. I've chosen a college major that will allow me to do what I love, and inspire other people. I've chosen a major that should (hopefully) give me some financial stability because like Marshall, I want to be able to live comfortably with my future family. I have given up on some of my dreams to pursue other, more realistic ones. And I do not regret it. I am happy with my choice, and know 10 years down the road, I will also be happy with my choice.

Everyone has dreams in their life. Some dreams you will outgrow. Some dreams you'll never be able to let go of. Some dreams will simply change as you and/or circumstances change. Some dreams you have will be achieved, others will not. And there is nothing wrong with any of that. Just like we all change over time, our dreams will change over time with us. If you decide you want to be a football coach instead of a professional football player like you've been dreaming about since you were 7, that is okay. If you decide that you will become a football player, no matter what cost, that is okay too. As long as you love what you are doing, and live without regrets, either of those options can be perfect for you.

By now, you may be wondering how my personal dreams affect you and your dreams. Maybe you are a dreamer like me and have been through the conflicts I have when it comes to deciding which path you should take when it comes to pursing them. Maybe you have been on the same path for years, and will continue to follow that path for even more years to come.No matter what path you are on in life, most of us are at an age where we will start to face all new realities about the dreams we are starting to/are currently pursuing. Some of those realities will be a lot scarier than you've ever imagined, and at one point or another, everyone will question their dreams. And I want you all to know that you should question your dreams, if you don't you are in the "honeymoon stage" of a dream. You have to question yourself to decide what you want in your life. You have to decide if the medal at the end of the race is worth the blood, sweat, and tears you put into the run.

And if that medal is not worth the blood, sweat, and tears, that is fine. Maybe you'll decide that you like dancing more than running. And if you decide that the medal at the end of the race is priceless, then you sprint on towards the end and do not ever stop. Every dream will come with some sort of a cost, but if you don't want to pay the cost, that is perfectly fine. You have the opportunities in life to dream whatever you would like to dream, and to follow that dream if you so choose. So continue to make dreams, just do not be afraid to give up on a dream or change the plan some along the way. Never simply follow your dreams. You lead them.