Why Dreams Matter

When I was in college, my friends and I used to play a (slightly macabre) game on road trips. The rules were really simple. All you had to do was answer a single question.

If you died today, would you be happy with your life?

Most of the time, folks answered no.

But I always answered yes, because I was constantly in pursuit of my dreams. I found it really interesting that so many people I met would answer no, clearly understand what was in the way of what they truly wanted, and then continue to not take action.

Fast forward twenty years, and a friend from that time in my life posted on Facebook.

He had Stage 4 lung cancer. Suddenly, that question that we had asked so casually in college was super duper real.

My answer was still yes. And his answer was still no.

Let me be clear: Not taking action on your book is in no way as serious as cancer.

But what I learned, and am learning, by being there for my friend, is the importance of dreams. My friend regrets putting off his dreams — of getting married, of having a family, of buying his dream car. And that made me think.

Like a lot of people, I’ve put off things that were important to me. I’ve deferred dreams and missed moments I can’t get back. Like hanging out…