At some point in life, we all dream of becoming someone else, someone different from who we are now. We have certain aspirations and hopes. Sometimes we live up to our dreams. Sometimes they remain just that … dreams.
When I was growing up in Lithuania, I intended and planned to become someone important, creative, popular and interesting. No, I did not want to make archeological discoveries of the century. I did not want to become an astronaut, explore space and find another universe. I was definitely not shooting for anything extraordinary. My aspirations and hopes were pretty mundane.
Who I Have Not Become
An actress. Who hasn’t dreamed at least once of becoming one? When I was twelve, I acted in the school theatre. I played a conniving and deceiving fox who tried to sabotage chickens. It was fun. However, my dream of becoming an actress ended on that stage.
A singer. I have no voice or sense of music whatsoever. When I was eight years old my mother took me to a choir audition. It was the most embarrassing experience I have had as a kid. Thankfully, I moved on.
A librarian. I have a Master’s Degree in Library Science. I have never worked in a library. For some reason I was not enthralled with books, and wanted to spend my life between dusty bookshelves. My life took a very different course.
A journalist. In the independent Lithuania it was impossible to get into a university and study journalism without bribing someone. Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, bribes were a part of the daily business. Old habits died hard. My mother did not have money to bribe the whole admission panel at the university, so I had to forget my dream of becoming a journalist.
A teacher. I grew up in a family of teachers. However, back home being a teacher was not a well-paid job, and I chose a different career. Sometimes money decides for you what profession you choose.
A KGB agent. Don’t forget that I grew up in the USSR! It was a dream of almost every kid. The KGB agents were romanticized and idealized. We believed that they were heroes. That was until we grew up and learned what the KGB was all about. No one can admit now that they wanted to be one.
A minimalist. Really. Even a spender like me sometimes dreams of downgrading their lifestyle, and reducing possessions. Even a consumer like me believes that material things do not define us. Am I ever going to become a minimalist? I never dismiss this possibility. However, I don’t think it’s happening this year. Or any time soon.
What about you? Who have you not become?
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When I was little I wanted to be a vet, psychologist, eye doctor (I don’t know why), dancer, etc. I never would have pictured myself where I am now! I’m happy, though.
Eye doctor? This is new. I guess you were enchanted by all medical tools eye doctors use. 🙂
When I was younger, I did want to be an actress AND a singer. But then sometime around age 13, I became painfully aware people are actually staring at you when you are up on stage and I retreated into a shell. When you are a kid, you don’t pay much attention to the fact that there is an audience. But as you get older, that changes. I am way too shy to perform in front of anyone in that kind of capacity…
Shyness is not my problem. I think I can overcome it if I need to. I think it all comes with practice.
I never became a forensic scientist or veterinarian like I wanted to as a kid.
I’m still trying to be an actor! 🙂
Hahahaha…. Aren’t we all?
Heh heh, nice post. I’m not a pilot nor an astronaut. 🙁
I became a computer engineer like I wanted, but it’s not fun anymore. Too much work.
Why is too much work bad? 🙂 Too much work is better than none.
I have not become a professional surfer or tennis player. But I still like doing both. I have not become filthy rich…yet 🙂
Filthy rich yet? I like that “yet.” 🙂
Sadly enough my dream was to be an ice skater. Probably too much information, but my dream was crushed when I was at ice skating practice and I saw an older man fall down, and someone stepped on his neck because everything happened so fast.
I’ve only been ice skating once after that event (which happened in 2nd or 3rd grade). And believe me, I was scared as hell.
OMG, did this man survive? I stopped skating when of my friends broke a lef on an ice rink. I can totally relate to your experience.
I don’t think I’ve let the dream of being an astronaut go yet! I can still hope. In general though my dreams have changed from exploring space and other planets to exploring all the different countries and cultures we have on this planet.
Nice shift! I am a traveller at heart. Just wish I would have more money and time to live this dream.
I always wanted to be a stay-at-home-mom blogger! 😉
Okay, not really. As a small child, I dreamed of starting my own non-profit company. I would call it St. Broccoli and we would help people find their way home when they’re lost. I also wanted to be a singer and even tried out for some competitions as a young adult, but never won anything. The next American Idol I am not apparently!
St. Broccoli? Love this name! Interesting idea. I guess it was pre-GPS era. 🙂
Designer, lawyer, psychologist, musician, best-selling author, travel nomad.
http://eemusings.wordpress.com/2012/03/01/the-things-id-like-to-be/
http://eemusings.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/dreams-its-funny-how-they-change/
I have not become a professional snowboarder or golfer
Maybe not a journalist, but you’ve certainly become a writer.
I really, really want to think so. 🙂
I grew up in the USSR and I DID NOT want to be a KGB agent. However, I did want to be one of the three musketeers from the Soviet version of The Three Musketeers. Once we moved to the States, I went from wanting to be a lawyer, to a meteorologist, to an FBI agent, to a doctor…I became an accountant. My dream right now is to work for a human rights organization and live out of a backpack wherever I’m needed. Being married, with a home, and 4 dogs makes that somewhat difficult so I figured I’ll wait until I retire to do the things I really want to do.
Oh, I remember that movie. It was one of my favorite. I watched it hundred times.
Love your dream!
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When I was little I wanted to be a vet. Then it was a teacher. When I applied for university, I tried to get into dental hygiene. I ended up going for psychology/criminology. Now I work an administrative job…. and I LOVE it!
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