Deep Thoughts from the Steps – In Pursuit of Happiness

Here’s one of the most important truths I’ve ever learned: Dreams are fragile so you have to protect them. It’s easy to give up on a dream when it seems like it will never happen. Or worse still, nobody understands or believes in your dream.

But that’s when you have to work harder than ever. Look at your dreams like they’re your reasons for being here. I believe I’m here for a purpose and that fulfilling my dreams is a part of that purpose. My faith tells me that God has a plan for my life and my dreams are pointing me in the direction I should go.

I also believe what Langston Hughes wrote in the poem “Harlem”:

What happens to a dream deferred?

       Does it dry up

       like a raisin in the sun?

       Or fester like a sore—

       And then run?

       Does it stink like rotten meat?

       Or crust and sugar over—

       like a syrupy sweet?

       Maybe it just sags

       like a heavy load.

       Or does it explode?

I don’t want this happening to my dreams…or anyone else’s. That’s why DDG is introducing a line of tees, hoodies and shirts featuring the theme “In the Pursuit of Happiness, Never Let Anyone Tell You that You Can’t Do Something.” I believe that if we give up on our dreams, we’re walking away from our purpose and the world will be sadder for it.

Again, I get that sometimes it makes sense to quit trying. As a kid, I experienced some health challenges that made everyone think I wouldn’t live past the age of 20. And then, there was a time I was homeless and without a job. I was living in my car and I had no idea when things would get better. But rather than lose hope, I remembered that dreams don’t become reality overnight, which prompted me to chase them even harder.

Eventually, I found work that was well suited to my gifts and even allowed me to grow. Eventually, my dreams led me to create Don’t Doubt God, where I can share what inspires me and gives me hope. None of this would have happened if I’d just given up! 

The moral of the story? In the pursuit of happiness, never let anyone – or anything – convince you that you can’t do something. And protect your dreams because they’re the roadmap to your happiness.