One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.” ~ Unknown It is easy to say “follow your dreams!” But then, life interjects, bills pile up, and sometimes we have to do jobs we don’t want to do just to make ends meet. There are, however, a number of reasons to follow your dreams, defy the odds, and live the life you’ve always wanted. Diana Nawatti, an educator and counsellor, says when one defies odds and makes it—achieving everything that they always dreamed of—the feeling and satisfaction is exceptional. Importance Nawatti says the best thing that comes with following your dreams is that you are not only going to benefit from it as an individual, rather, everyone around you will benefit as well. She explains that as one follows their dreams and aspirations, they will definitely have something worth sharing with others, hope and inspiration, which is a great contribution not only to a community, but entire nation. “If one decides to do what they love most, it helps develop spirit, which acts as motivation to achieve success. “Your dreams can get you through even difficult situations because in the long run, they will keep you going for sure,” she says. She adds that knowing that the reason behind you waking up every morning is to do what you love most is the most fulfilling part, and it will in the end be worth it. Jean de Dieu Musengimana, an ICT teacher based in Bugesera District, says chasing your dreams will help you connect with others who have the same visions as yours. This means that when you are motivated and excited about pursuing your dreams, you’ll attract other people who have the same values and interests. “The more you surround yourself with people who dream about achieving something in life, the farther you will go. The most important thing is that when at one point you meet challenges, associates will be there to motivate you to continue,” he says. Musengimana says people who try their best to stick to what they love can be in one way or another an inspiration to others, for example people who thought of giving up on pursuing what they love. Jesse Shyaka, a Kigali-based entrepreneur, says one’s dreams may take longer than another’s to achieve, but the end goal is worth it. “What matters for all human beings is happiness, if you are not happy, then this is the beginning of all problems,” he says. Nawatti notes that although it’s very common for people to be in a field that they don’t find happiness or fulfilment in, it doesn’t have to be like that forever. Instead, she says, this should act as a stepping stone for you, to find a way to prosper in what you love most. “Look at the opportunities around that will direct you towards achieving your dreams,” Nawatti adds.
