This morning, I will serve as the minister at a church in Hartford. It will be the sixth time I have worked as a substitute minister—in six different churches.
It still amazes me.
Last week, I received an email from a soldier named Evgen in the Ukrainian army thanking me for my recent appearance on The Knowledge Podcast.
“I’m a soldier in the Ukrainian army with a deep interest in storytelling, which I try to use to raise funds for the equipment needs of my military unit as well. Alas, our needs are vast as the war against the Russian aggression continues.”
He went on:
“I want to say big thank you for your recent appearance on The Knowledge Podcast. Your tips will definitely make me a better storyteller, both in my native Ukrainian and in English (which I have to speak quite a lot in my duties).”
I couldn’t believe it. I had tears in my eyes as I read the email.
Next week, I’ll work with an Olympic athlete, the CEOs of two Fortune 500 companies, and breast cancer survivors at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Every day is a surprise. Different, challenging, and unforgettable.
In July 2011, I said yes to telling a story on a stage in New York City with no intention of ever telling another.
That moment changed my life forever. It brought about experiences that I could have never imagined 13 years ago.
Thank goodness I didn’t wait.
Yesterday, while speaking at a conference at Mohegan Sun, I told my audience to chase their dreams today. A woman asked me how I charted my path into storytelling, speaking, and consulting, and I explained that I didn’t.
There was never any plan. I had no idea that any of this would happen.
I simply dreamed of someday telling a story on a Moth stage in NYC, and then, instead of waiting for someday to never arrive, I did it.
Absent any follow-up strategy, profit potential, or long-term goal.
I decided I wanted to do a thing, so I did the thing.
It changed my life forever.
But had I simply told a single story at a Moth StorySLAM, that would’ve been more than enough. It would’ve represented a dream come true.
We don’t chase our dreams in hopes of changing our lives forever. When that happens, it’s a blessed, unexpected, oftentimes shocking bonus. We chase our dreams because dreams were made to be chased.
“Leave this conference right now if you must,” I urged the audience. “Chase that dream today if possible. Don’t delay another second because we never know what doors might unexpectedly and blessedly open when we follow our hearts and stop wasting time.”
The conference organizer chimed in and suggested that they chase their dreams after the conference, and I understood his concern. But I also know that most dreams are never fulfilled. Urgency is critical. Waiting leads to stagnation and regret.
I also reminded the audience that any dream is a good dream.
“If you’ve always wanted to learn to crochet or cook a perfect brisket or hike the Appalachian Trail or try skateboarding or play the bagpipes, today is the day to begin.”
I meant it, too.
“Take one step forward,” I urged. “Purchase your materials. Make a plan. Schedule your adventure. Find a partner. Watch a YouTube video and get started.”
Forward momentum is key.
Today, I wrote back to that Ukranian soldier. I thanked him for his email and service and asked if there was anything else I could do to help.
In a few hours, I will stand before a congregation. I’ll light candles, ring bells, and deliver a sermon.
Next week, I’ll help breast cancer survivors tell stories about their struggles and victories. I’ll help business leaders tell better stories. I’ll help an Olympian be even more inspiring than she already is.
You never know what might happen when you chase your dreams, but at the very least, you’ll do some chasing and, hopefully, find a way to make them come true.
But start today. Don’t wait another moment.
Thank goodness I didn’t wait back in July of 2011.
