In speaking with Johnny about his career, Edie says that she had wanted to be a singer when she was younger, but “abandoned it altogether as a stupid dream.” She continues, though, saying that “abandoning your dreams is like abandoning a part of yourself.” What do you think about this statement? Should one always hold on to one’s dream, or is there a logical point at which that dream should be abandoned?
That is a difficult question. Sometimes there are obstacles that just can’t be overcome.
One should hold onto their dreams as one never knows when the time has arrived to have your go at your goal.
I think one should hold onto one’s dreams. It may be unattainable, but holding onto it gives on something to strive for.
I think there’s a point where you do actually have to be realistic. When I was young and idealistic, I thought four years of college as a violin major and I’d be playing with the Cleveland Orchestra. Well, it took awhile but I realized I just didn’t have the talent. My husband at the time was much more talented than I was, and even HE had to adjust his expectations. He continued gigging but still had to get a real day job. I still don’t think our dreams were “stupid,” but I do think they were unattainable.
And I don’t think releasing the dream was abandoning part of myself, either. I considered it maturing.
I like the idea of holding onto dreams! Even if a dream is not coming true, I don’t think it needs to be abandoned. I loved the way Edie’s dream of being a singer was coming true, even though she felt to some extent that she had abandoned it. I do think that dreams may change as we face reality and as we mature. Framing it as “releasing” a dream brings me comfort!
I think it can be a privilege to be able to hold onto your dream and keep going. Sometimes one cannot afford it, or has family obligations like ill relatives or children to take care of, or personal illness. It’s an inspiring idea but not always possible.
When someone realizes that their dream does not fit into their “real” life it seems that you must abandon it. However, I think it’s great if you can keep a little of it going until the day that you may again indulge in your talent or hobby that makes you happy. Perhaps in retirement you could restimulate your dreams of doing something that was not earlier possible. Or as in the case of Edie, the right moment arises to make use of your talent.
You should hold onto your dreams. At some point, it may be unrealistic and you need to move on if it’s not woriking out.
I think one should try to hold onto one’s dreams, but life doesn’t always work that way. Her dream to be a singer seemed unrealistic to me because as far as I could tell she only sang with her mother. No mention of being in a choir in her earlier days. How did she develop her voice? It wasn’t clear.