What is a dream, after all?
We often underestimate or overuse the word *dream*. Have you ever stopped to think about what a dream truly means? For me, a dream is something I love to imagine, filling my heart with joy. But not all dreams are meant to be chased. Some are just beautiful thoughts—like lying in a glass room during a thunderstorm, surrounded by a dark forest, listening to the rain. It’s serene, it’s magical, but it’s not something I wake up every day trying to achieve.
Then there are other dreams—those that refuse to leave your mind. These are not fleeting thoughts or fantasies. They are persistent and powerful, and they demand action. These dreams become a part of your soul; no matter how impossible they seem, they keep pushing you forward.
It is not a dream – An inner force that needs expression – something that will not let you rest.
The hidden power
Let me share an example: An old man once struggled to raise money for charity. He worked tirelessly but could only collect a small amount. Yet, when his son fell ill, he raised thousands in just one day. Why? He had to do it. It was not if I could make it—it was how I made it.
My journey
My dream
From very early childhood, I had always dreamed of coming to the US. When I set my sights on it, I realized it wasn’t just a dream; it was an inner force that consumed me.
External force
Everyone around me tried to talk me out of it. They said I could achieve everything I wanted right where I was, but I didn’t listen. There was clarity in my mind and fire in my heart—I had made my decision, and there was no turning back.
Allurement
At one point, I had what many would call a “dream job.” I worked for a prestigious company with great pay and perks. My family and friends thought I had made it in life. But deep down, it meant nothing to me because my heart was set on something else—something more significant.
Into the grind
I started preparing for exams to go to the U.S., initially with friends who shared the same goal. We all decided to prepare for coming to the U.S. together. Soon, our gathering became an event for fun and entertainment. That’s when I realized it was a passing temporary excitement. It was not a dream. I needed to walk alone, and I did.
Failures, failures, and more failures
There were countless obstacles—failed attempts, rejections, and moments of despair. I kept trying all the options, but they did not work. At one point, I even considered unconventional routes like finding a bride in the U.S. or taking any route to come to the U.S. But those plans didn’t work out (thank God).
Detour
When all else failed, I decided to explore alternative paths. I shifted my focus from studying to finding job opportunities that could take me abroad. Even then, rejection followed me like a shadow. Companies turned me down because of my background or lack of experience. There were days when I felt defeated—days when depression crept in—but the dream never died.
Eventually, life took me to Singapore and then Indonesia. These were beautiful chapters filled with growth and new experiences. But deep inside, the thought of going to the U.S. never left me.
Finally, after thirty years
After seven years of taking detours, an opportunity surfaced—a job offer that might help me come to the US. I followed the trail, and after two years, it finally happened.
The dream finally came true. The dream of coming to the US that I chased came true after thirty years.
I will let you decide what all this means to you in your circumstances.
I will end by saying this: When we discuss the fulfillment of our dream, we only need to answer one question:
How will I fulfill my dream? Your inner force will guide us to find the answer.
