Have you realized your childhood dream?

[Hybrid Mom]

All of us are drawn to certain instrinsic talents that we either use and hone or ignore and waste. Some of us know from a young age that we are talented writers, or that we have exceptional leadership skills. Others of us know we have an uncanny ability to bring people together or have creativity running rampant through our veins.

So, our question to you is: Have you realized your childhood dream? How did you realize it. And if you haven't, what's stopping you?

[Anne]

I've always been a writer and have realized my childhood dream by finally doing freelance work and working on a book. I can't imagine not writing. I'm glad I have been able to fit my talent into my life and sometimes make money doing it.

[Bethany]

So, when I was little I wanted to teach. To act. To write. To sing.

I will say, I've been able to write. Sometimes teach. And sorta act... at least if I am in the mind of my characters. Though, if I ever get a chance to be on televison... you bet your booty I'll be first in line! ;-)

[Rosemary O'Brien]

I have been very blessed. My first career was as a professional singer and actress. I've worked on stages all over the country as well as having a cruise ship gig at one point. If my parents had not encouraged me to try new things, I never would have discovered I had an ear for music and a voice.

I am now in my second dream career, that of freelance writer and novelist. I have one novel to my credit, work on another, work with several magazines and clients, and just started working as a grantwriter part-time for another company ... just when I need the steady money for a while!

Obviously, I tell every kid I know to follow their dreams. If you work hard, have the talent for whatever you're going for, and do your best, you can achieve your dream.

P.S. I really gotta get a new picture uploaded!!!!! LOL

[Angela Moore]

My childhood dreams changed with the wind and I continue to live this way to a certain extent. My biggest dream that actually remained consistent was to have a family. I have a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful children, a girl and a boy. I am incredibly blessed.

My life has taken so many twists and turns throughout the years. I never would have thought that I would end up where I am today and I know deep down that eventually it will all change again. I have a bachelor's in theater, a master's in education and I work in internet marketing as a consultant in search engine optimization. Who'dathunkit??

[Jenn]

My childhood dream was to become a singer/actress. I realized this while getting together with my mommy friends that I made when my husband and I moved from Queens to Long Island about 6 1/2 years ago. Just by interacting with people that REALIZED there dreams made me realize that I had dreams as a child and they were attainable had I applied myself, but, I didn't, I gave up, which is the sad truth.

I was afraid of making my dreams a reality when I was a young adult. As an adult, today, with a husband and son, I realize that my husband and I have to give our son the necessary tools for him to dream, realize his dreams and act on his dream(s). My husband and I will be sure to let our little guy know that NO DREAM he will have should be thrown to the waistside, as my dream(s) were.

As long as you have a strong sense of yourself, a good self esteem, support, and love you can do anything in life!

[Bethany]

Jenn, you are SO right! Lovely post... and your little guy will do amazing things!

[Wendy Florencio]

As a child, I was always drawn to the packaging of items at the store. Labels and posters and my one addiction, magazines. I didn't know what a graphic designer meant or that it was what I wanted to become, but I knew I loved art and colors and I had a nit pickers eye. After trying illustration, painting, sculpting, etc. all to no avail, I decided I would give up art for good. Something inside me died that day. I majored in English for a semester, then in liberal arts for two, then switched to Legal Admin for two semesters until I finally threw my hands up and surrendered to the artist inside me. I recently graduated from college (May 07) and now work as a graphic designer. It's one of the most difficult things I have ever done and every new project is such a challenge, but I'm in love in every way, shape, and form with what I do and thank God everyday for the opportunity to live out my childhood dream.

[Suzi Crowder]

I always wanted to do NFL commentary, even play-by-play, but I wound up taking a different path. I don't regret it, but I would have loved to have sat in the booth with John Madden and call a game. Maybe in my next life...?

[Lynleigh B.]

My childhood dreams were to sing and model. The only one I've actually seen come to fruition was the singing. I'm involved in my church choir and that's good enough for me because I'm not interested in making it a celeb venture. I would still love to model though. The only reason why I haven't done that was because no agency accepted me prior to my joining the military at 18. I served in the Air Force for 5 years and since then have had two children. Now, I am 25, live in a small town that has no talent agencies in the area and with being a stay at homer, I wouldn't know how to juggle the two anyway. Maybe in the near future. Hey, having a small portfolio of a few professional shots would be enough to fill that void for me:O)