I am one of those rare people who dream vividly and often remember the details. Some say it's a blessing — occasionally, it feels like a curse. I've often written down the specifics of my dreams immediately upon waking. Most of the time they are random. Sometimes there is a recurring thread.
When I was younger, I remember an episode of Oprah where she featured a dream "expert" as a guest. I kid you not, this is exactly what the "expert" said: "Sometimes dreams mean something. Sometimes they mean nothing at all." Good thing she had an "expert" on hand to share such amazing insight.
Lately, most of my dreams involve me moving in and out of houses. Some homes are massive, with ornate details, big closets, and room-sized showers. Oddly enough, when I'm moving in, the people I bought the home from are still living there. I'm sure a dream analyst would have a field day with that one.
When people ask me where I get my ideas for my paintings, the answer is often in my dreams. To help with this, I've taken up the habit of journalling first thing in the morning — and although I don't manage it every day, I do write a couple of full-scap pages, which takes about half an hour. Creatives claim this practice sparks ideas, while scientists say it helps ward off dementia. Funny enough, my wrist starts to ache about halfway through. It's remarkable how we use entirely different muscles for writing than we do for typing.
In dreamland, I imagine a world that not only nurtures the human spirit but gives humankind the tools to thrive. In a couple of dreams, I've asked questions of "leaders" — I use that term loosely — and they've actually listened and conceded to make things better. It's in this perfect dream state that I imagine a world without wars, famine, jealousy, or greed. Waking up to reality every day can be a rude awakening — especially when so many people seem content to live in ignorant bliss. If you're reading this, I'm sure you know what I mean. As a result, I often struggle with taking these thoughts and feelings and putting them into my artwork - but when I succeed the result is magical!
Sometimes I wish I weren't an empath. I wish the things that are wrong weren't so prevalent, and that people weren't so caught up in their own lanes to notice what's going on around them. I wish I weren't so affected by seeing others sad, struggling, and lonely. It brings me some comfort knowing that the online community we've built brings many people joy and distraction from life's hardships. It's especially meaningful when someone tells me I've inspired them in some way.
But I'm just one person.
We all have the ability to make the world better in our own way. We all have the capacity, in our little corner of the world, to give a stranger a compliment — and that's free — or to donate directly to those in need. Volunteering is something I try to do in between running my business and spending time with my son. I wish I did it more. I wish I did a lot more. I try and I need to remind myself that is what matters.
We have to remember that it only takes one person to create meaningful change. We can all be the change we want to see in the world.
-Julie
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