We live by choice, not by chance

How many times a day do you think about your goals? I know that I think about what I need to accomplish each day at work and the daily life chores that seem to always be present, but what about the really important things like dreams.

I keep mine in my wallet. 10 Things to Do before I die. Simple and blunt. Right above "master 4 languages," and below "run for political office," there it is:

5. Travel and circumnavigate the world; Visit as many places and cultures as you possibily can.

There it is. Simple and clear, but maybe it's two dreams. Each time I pay a bill or I reach for my credit card, I see my goals. I won't share all 10 (they're personal!), but let me share why dreams are important. Since I was a kid, I read every National Geographic cover to cover. I told my mom I wanted to study abroad in 9th grade!! With a strong interest in culture and language, I thrive on studying new places. I spent a lot of time in the library staring at pictures of people, places, and foreign cities. In time, I wanted to understand every major language of the world! Oh the gradiosity of children's dreams...What happens as we grow up?

As a professional in student affairs, I tell students to reach for the stars, think about your meaning and your purpose and do it! Not only set goals, but follow and exceed them! But do we practice what we preach? As professionals do we push and challenge and encourage and cheer "on the sidelines" or do we serve as role models by looking inside ourselves and living our dreams as well?

This is my goal: To circumnavigate the world and visit 10 new and exciting places, each with a different view of the world and how we operate. It's less than a month and a half away.

What are your life dreams?