As a little girl, I often dreamed of becoming a teacher. I vividly remember the weekends spent in my mum’s laboratory, where she sometimes had to work overtime. During those long hours, I found joy in a blank, unused corner of her chalkboard. There, with a piece of white chalk in my hand, I would conduct imaginary “one-on-one” sessions with a row of silent, formaldehyde-filled bottles lining the window sill, reveling in my role as “teacher-teacher.”

Fast forward to my adult life, and I found myself in a full-time position as Head of Visual Arts at a local high school. Ironically, this is where I faced an unexpected challenge. After a long day of teaching, I would return home utterly spent, too drained to engage in anything but mindlessly devouring a big bowl of popcorn. I felt like I was stuck on a never-ending hamster wheel, desperate to escape the exhausting cycle I had found myself in.

DISCOVERING WHAT I DIDN'T WANT TO DO

In many ways, my experience in the classroom taught me what I did NOT want for my life. It echoed a sentiment that resonates throughout history: just as John the Baptist clarified his identity by first stating who he wasn’t, I too had to confront the realities of my own dreams.

This theme has repeated itself in my life, leading me to question the purpose of my childhood dreams. Were they merely fantasies, or did they serve a deeper purpose? Recently, I heard someone speak about the true power of a dream lying in the dreaming itself, rather than its fulfillment. This perspective shifted my understanding of what it means to dream.

THE VALUE OF THE DREAMING PROCESS

After all, dreams don’t always come true, do they? Reflecting on my journey, I realized that perhaps the person I became while pursuing my dream of teaching was far more significant than the role itself. I hope that I inspired at least a few young learners during my time in the classroom. However, even if I didn’t, I am grateful for the courage to walk away from something that was draining my energy. I chose not to cling to the remnants of a dream simply because it had once brought me joy.

THE STRENGTH IN LETTING GO

Letting go is never easy, and it’s often mistaken for weakness. In reality, it’s a profound act of trust. By releasing what no longer serves us, we create space for new opportunities and today I get to live the life I’d always only imagined because I was chose to let go.