We all have them. Sometimes they come to us when we are young and travel with us until the end, sometimes they are not apparent to us until we are much older, many times they are filled with magic, and in some cases they provide warning, but nevertheless..a dream is something we cannot ignore. It tugs at our every emotion...it's addictive...and it does not like to be ignored. So, why is it that such a dominant figure such as dreams can be overlooked, can be mis-treated, or not taken seriously? Why is it that it feels like our dreams will never be reached?

Of course as we all know, today is the day in which we celebrate the monumental milestones of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King along with his followers and constituents has astonishingly changed history for the better of Africans in America; and it is quite obvious that throughout his journey he had many obstacles, many rewards, and many doubts and doubters. This piece is in honor of Dr. King and pushes the issue forward of the importance of dreaming and how to handle the emotions of a dream deferred:

So many times life can get us down. I mean so down that we feel like getting up would be more of a pain than just taking the beat down of a dream deferred. The emotional stake we hold from deferred dreams are not only dangerous for our mental states, but also for our physical bodies as well as those around us. Dreams are a funny thing. They can seem so close...so close you can touch it, but then with one turn, it can disappear, leaving us to feel totally lost in life. So, when you have a dream that you want to achieve, it is important to never loose sight of it. When life brings you u-turns, and stop signs, and travel delays, and caution signals, you can never loose sight of it. Keep your mind on the road and keep traveling towards it or else you will be stuck on red in a deflating emotional state.

“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?

~Langston Hughes

There are many songs out there about dreams, yet they all have to do with love, which I find interesting. So with that thought, I think it is important to write a lyrical love letter to your dreams deferred. Just like a physical relationship with our partners, we have to communicate and be willing to adjust to our dreams. We fall into and out of love with our dreams and have internal arguments. Sometimes our dreams can do things to us that we least expect. Sometimes they can leave us for good...leaving us single and dependent on the “system” of the dreams of others, and sometimes when we are not dreaming from the heart, it can cause an abusive relationship with ones self to fester. Sometimes it can make us cry for no apparent reason, and sometimes they can wrap around us providing us with the warmest of comforts. So as you nurture your deferred dreams...be careful to show it love...dream a little dream for your dreams:

When you have a dream that you want to achieve, it is important to understand the resources that are needed to achieve it. Dr. King and many other history makers surrounded themselves with people, places, and things that represented what their dreams were about. Keeping those who are genuinely passionate about the things you are striving for is crucial.

When you have a dream, that you want to achieve, it is important to recognize that your dreams do not only effect you. When you have a goal set, be sure that the effects of your dreams does something good for someone else. A selfish dream is a silent dream.

When you have a dream that you want to achieve, it is important to understand, gravitate to, and embrace the emotions that a dream deferred may bring about. Sometimes we do not get it when we want it, sometimes it feels like we are going around in circles, and sometimes it feels like a nightmare; but no matter what, without these emotions, we would not be as thankful for those dreams that do come true. Step into the dream realm open heartedly...preparing for the best and the worse scenarios.

When you have a dream that you want to achieve, it is important to remain true to it. Giving false definition to your dreams will only make you weaker. Dream for yourself, and no other. You do not need anyone else to validate your dreams...they are yours...own it!

When you have a dream that you want to achieve, it is important to write it down, visualize it, talk about it...constantly. If you find that it is annoying the ones that you are sharing it with, then you need to consider re-configuring your dream vault of resources. True friends, true family, and true associates will never grow tired of hearing about your goals...just so long as you are actively working towards them!

Most importantly, when you have a dream that you want to achieve, remember, it may not happen when you imagine it the most. It may take years, and hell, it may never happen, but remember this: “The most important part of dreaming is not the truth that it brings in the end, but the truth that it brings you along the way.” Within the things that you learn, within the things that you accomplish, and within the things that you fail upon. A dream deferred is full of emotions...keep it full..it's a sign that your spirit is still alive! Keep dreaming ladies...because dreams, even when deferred can come true!