Olga’s Dream Jar

Olga’s Dream Jar

I woke up this morning much earlier than I had hoped to, but when you are waking to the rays of the gorgeous Greek sun- you cannot complain.
Seeing the fragmented light coming through the window traveling down the wall, the bed, my skin; my brain started moving at 100MPH.
Instantly my soul was full of creativity- I had to express myself!

Writing out ideas for blog posts, freelance articles, a book… I couldn’t pour out enough thoughts. I was definitely inspired.

Let me back up- after 5 glorious nights in an Athens hostel that I adore, I had enough! I *needed* to be couchsurfing, I needed people like myself, and CS has it. I posted on the “Last Minute Couch” forum for Athens, and sweet Olga was kind enough to take me in on a moments notice.

Meeting me in the metro station at 9pm with a huge smile on her face, hugs and kisses, we walked the streets to her home while she filled me in on the history of her part of town. (more on that tomorrow) We had a beer at a cafe near her home and shared our travel dreams.

Olga is a beautiful person, inside and out, and has so many talents, so much kindness and a soul that never stops dreaming. Needless to say, we hit it off. She tells me of her dreams, and how she loves to host surfers because they are a good source of motivation for her- they keep her moving in the direction of her goals. (no pressure- right?) Before I fell asleep last night, I asked my subconscious to help me find a way to keep Olga motivated every day- surfers or not!

I woke up this morning, and after writing out every great idea I had (which did not include how to keep Olga moving toward her dreams) I decided it was time for some espresso. I picked the jar from the fridge and realized the answer was in my hands.

I emptied the espresso, washed the jar, and filled it with small pieces of paper that each held a goal, a dream, or a passion of Olga’s. Because we only got to speak for 3 hours last night, I only had about 8 or so, but I left her with instructions on the jar.

The jar is hers to fill, and most importantly, the jar is hers to empty. The jar must always stay out, in plain sight, so that you see it every day and remember that all your hopes, dreams and aspirations in this world are within your grasp- both literally, and figuratively.

From time to time she must take the jar and look at every piece of paper inside, to remind herself of where she wants to be. Most importantly, she must never stop dreaming. Her dreams will change (as will yours) but as long as she is filling this jar with them, she will always remember.

Granted, she has not yet been home to see the jar, so I don’t know how it will go over- but that is not the point.

Friends, your dreams are reachable- they are attainable- no one can stop you from claiming them.

Just because this is a “travel blog” does not mean those are the only dreams I am encouraging- you want to own a home? have a 6 figure career? own a pet tiger? become a basketball player?

It doesn’t matter what the dream is- it is yours and no one will hand it to you- so get your own jar, fill it, and never stop dreaming!

“If we do not change the direction we are headed, we will end up where we are going.” – Chinese Proverb