Dear Dreamer

By Muskan Joshi

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Dreams have always been painted as something mystical, whimsical, like scenes from a fantasy novel. A way to soften the sharp edges of the world, and to just believe- for a few moments that maybe, life is not so dreadful after all.

As children, we dreamt recklessly- from candy castles, to fairy worlds, talking animals and even magical beings. 

But as we grew up, so did those dreams. They became quieter, more rooted in reality. Now we dream of that job, that goal, that city, passing that exam, becoming that person. 

Dreams go from soft companions in those quiet nights to daring pursuits that challenge and shake us. Before we know it, dreaming starts to feel dangerous- risky somehow.

Because:

What if you never achieve it?

What if you’re not capable enough? 

What if you’re being irrational?

And gradually that innocent dream is now a mirror, a reflection of your ability, worth, and your very being- and when that dream slips past your fingers, it cuts deep. It becomes personal, a cut that always bleeds. 

So many stop dreaming, not because they never dream but simply because it’s safer that way. They close their eyes and silence their desires. Because if you don’t let your heart want something, you don’t risk breaking it in its pursuit. It’s much easier to build cages out of fear, convincing yourself that you’re now safe.

But I’m here to remind you:

It’s okay to dream. In fact it makes you brave. 

Because choosing to dream is an act of courage, a quiet resistance to the world where everything seems to be stacked against you.  

So feel your dream. Let it stir your emotions. Let it thrill you and move you. Feel the joy of its possibility and the deep despair of the distance between you and the dream. Because simply by dreaming, you’re doing what many never dare to.  

Everyone has a story- their personal legend. So hold onto yours and honor it. Make it your North Star. Because in this treacherous world that can take anything away at any moment, your dream is all that’s yours, and no one can ever take that from you.

“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity.”

— Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

So dare to dream,

Not just because you can- but because it’s all yours.