"You have to work for your dreams. You also have to live your reality."

Chasing dreams is a beautiful thing. It’s that fire in your belly, the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning. But while you’re dreaming big, you can’t forget about the life you’re living right now. It's all about balance, right? The idea here is that while we should strive for our goals, we also need to appreciate and engage with our present circumstances.

Take a moment to imagine what happens when you’re entirely focused on the future. You might miss out on the little things that make life rich. Like, ever been so caught up in planning a vacation that you didn’t notice the beauty of a sunset right in your backyard? It’s like that. Dreams are worth pursuing, but not at the expense of enjoying your reality.

Think about Thomas Edison for a second. The guy worked tirelessly, burning the midnight oil to invent the light bulb. He had a vision, a dream of illuminating the world. But even as he chased that vision, he lived his daily reality—testing, failing, learning. Each experiment, each little step, was his reality. Edison didn’t just dream about success; he was immersed in the process, fully engaged in the here and now.

So, how do you apply this to your life? Simple: set goals, but stay grounded. Dream of that promotion, that novel you want to write, that business you want to start. But don’t forget to enjoy the dinner with friends tonight, play with your dog, or take a walk in the park. It’s about being present. It’s about not letting the pursuit of future achievements rob you of your current happiness.

Imagine this scenario. You’re an aspiring writer. You’ve got this fantastic idea for a novel, and you’re dedicating every free minute to it. Late nights, early mornings, skipping social events. Sure, you might finish your book faster, but at what cost? You might miss out on the laughter with friends, the joy of spontaneous adventures. What if, instead, you set aside specific times to write, but also made sure to hang out with friends, enjoy a hobby, or simply relax with a good movie? You’d be working towards your dream, but also living your life.

Here’s some practical advice: create a balanced schedule. Dedicate time to your dreams, but also carve out moments for your current joys and responsibilities. Let’s say you’re working on that novel. Maybe you write for an hour each morning before work. But you also make sure to have lunch with a friend, spend an evening with family, or indulge in a hobby over the weekend. You’ll be nurturing your dream while also living your reality.

And hey, next time you catch yourself daydreaming about the future, take a deep breath. Look around. Appreciate the moment you’re in. It’s all part of the journey. You’ve got dreams to chase, sure, but don’t forget to live your life along the way. It’s not just about the destination—it’s about the ride.

So, let’s raise a cup of coffee to dreaming big, but also to staying grounded. You’ve got this. Work for your dreams, absolutely. But also, live your reality. Enjoy the little things. They’re what make the journey worthwhile. Cheers to balance!