How Much Does Yours Cost?

It lurks around every corner. It settles into every heart. It eats away at our passions and desires. A thirst for more power and a hunger for more money.

It is the goal of every citizen of our great nation. There are even people who belong to other countries who marvel at the life we know today as “The American Dream”. But, what exactly does this dream look like?

For the little girl in the hospital bed, it may be to finally go home with a full head of hair. For the single mother of three, it could be to have a meal on the table. Clearly, there is no standard definition of the American Dream shared by the people of this world.

The biggest mistake people make is sculpting a dream for themselves that is too heavy of a goal. It may sound harsh, but the majority of people in this country fall short through their work towards their dream. For example, a man may have the goal of opening a theme park as famous as Disney someday. While that may not be impossible, it is highly difficult and unlikely. For one, Disney will always spark joy in children’s hearts. No amount of roller coasters and knock-off characters will compete with that. Also, if this man doesn’t put any effort towards his dream, it will fall flat.

I am not discouraging anyone’s aspirations. However, I am stating the cold, hard truth. Anyone can achieve their goals—with extremely hard work. Maybe they need to take the goals down a notch. You can’t shoot for the stars without hitting clouds. In order to climb the mountains in life, you have to hit milestones first.

Possibly, we will see an amazing uprising of determination from someone someday. But, in all honesty, we all live the American Dream every day. It may just be in a more minor fashion.

Look around you. As you look up from this newspaper, you can probably see a source of clean water, a roof above you, four walls protecting you and possibly a loved one down the hall who would hug you without hesitation.

In a perfect world, I would have everything I have now. The wildest dream could not put a dent on my life now. No amount of dollar signs, commas and zeros could stand to where I am today.

My dream is to have my family by side and my Savior in my life. Except, that is not my dream. It is my reality.

The American Dream is just a fable. Many have already achieved it. Some are still longing for it. But, it is not as distant as society makes it out to be. Appreciate what you have, and you’re halfway there.

What is your definition of the American Dream?