If money were no option…

“If money were no option, what would you choose to do?” This is the fundamental platitude asked upon 20-something-year-olds. It’s the million dollar question (if I can say that ironically). I hated this question for so long because in a practical sense, money makes the world continue to spin. Eventually, everyone has bills to pay, loans to expense and new indulgences that require just one more digit. Then I began to realize I don't really have a practical bone in my body.

Here are a few things I would consider if money were no option:

1: Study architecture.

I am fascinated by modern architecture. However, I know nothing about it. Perhaps it was a seed planted by my older brother who taught me to be captivated by Frank Lloyd Wright houses. I don’t know. I just think it would be so awesome to plan and design a house.

2. Become a professor.

I would love to become so versed in a subject that I could teach it at the university level. Not only that, but helping 20-year-olds nail down passions of their own could be the most frustrating privilege imaginable. Maybe one day, this could become a reality.

3: Write a novel.

As much as I love writing fake BuzzFeed articles, I’m seeing a common trend in them. Most people who read them (myself included), only take the time to look at the bolded headline of each idea. Which means, the ones who are reading the fine print right now actually have an attention span of greater than 60 seconds. This is why I want to write a novel, because it might mean something to the people who can read past the cover (at least to the 20 or so people I’d have to pay to read my book).

4. Be a fly-fishing guide.

At one point in my life I know this one will become a reality. I love the art of fly-fishing so much that I would welcome making little to no money if it meant serving and teaching people the art of fly-fishing the way I see it. To maybe for a day, leave the chaos of everyday life and spend time on a river with seemingly no other soul in the universe. This is the goal, because in full reality, this is who I am.

As I’m sitting at the other end of one of the more frustrating weeks in recent memory, I’m beginning to discern that dreaming big is not about a paycheck at all. It’s about perceiving that the most capitol “T” truth in your current situation actually goes far beyond the moment you’re currently occupying. It goes far beyond the conclusion of the semester or the day you graduate in two years. The capitol “T” truth in your current situation is in your dreams. This isn't meant to be some patronizing or banal inspiration from a colleague; we've all heard that a ridiculous amount of times. Quite the contrary. Perhaps the question, “if money were no option…” is simply tired rhetoric after all, but I believe somewhere along the line the answer to this question should be answered for everyone. And at least for me, life might be a little more tolerable when the question is answered.