Most people talk about their dreams but never act on them. Sometimes all it takes is one person who listens closely and gives them a gentle push. Here is why helping people pursue their dreams is one of the most meaningful rituals you can build into your life.
Birthdays and the Power of Pushing Dreams Forward
I think birthdays are a very big deal. There is no greater human tradition than dedicating one full day every single year to someone simply for being alive. It is a day to be loved, celebrated, messaged, hugged, toasted, cheered for, sung to, and wrapped up in joy by the people who matter most.
It is magic. Plus, as Chad says, “No one can be mean to you on your birthday.”
Chad and my soon to be sister in law, Cheryl, share their birthday every year, since they are born two days apart. This year, we, and by we I mean I had the idea and then Cheryl had to plan her own birthday, threw them a karaoke style boozy brunch with thirty of our nearest and dearest. Nothing warms my heart like a tipsy room full of adults screaming 90s pop songs at 11 a.m. It was amazing.
But here is the part I really love about birthdays.
I use them as an excuse to force people to live their dreams.
Yes, this is now a full personality trait. Maybe even a reputation.
My friends know that if they casually mention a desire near me, it will become their next birthday or holiday gift. I cannot help myself.
And this is where helping people pursue their dreams becomes a core part of how I create LIFE AT A TEN moments. It is not just about celebrating. It is about pushing people into the experiences they secretly want but do not take action on.
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Dream Pushing in Action
Case in Point One: Stand Up Comedy Cher Bear
Cheryl once mentioned that she would love to try stand up comedy. So I enrolled her in a stand up comedy course.
Turns out she did not like the idea of being forced into an 8 week class. Facing your dreams is scary. She later told me she was furious and actually tried to get a refund.
Thankfully it was non refundable. Her husband convinced her to attend the first class and then she could at least say she did it.
Of course, she was incredible. So good she became the headliner for her Comedy 101 showcase and loved it so much her social handle now reflects it. Dream achieved. LIFE AT A TEN moment locked in when the whole crowd gave her a standing ovation.
Case in Point Two: Larry the High Diver
A friend casually mentioned wanting to learn high diving.
One minute he was saying it, the next I was logging it in my gift ideas note. That next birthday I was buying him a Speedo and booking him, and Chad, into high diving lessons.
Helping people pursue their dreams does not require money. It requires attention. You just have to hear the dream and give the push.
Case in Point Three: Cowboy Chad
Last year while watching Yellowstone, Chad mentioned he wished he knew how to ride a horse like a real cowboy. So last Sunday he was on a horse, doing a full day cowboy crash course at Glen Oro Farms. Three sessions back to back. From learning how to get on the horse to confidently cantering by the end.
And he did it.
Why Helping People Pursue Their Dreams Matters
Dreams, even tiny ones, deserve to be lived.
People rarely pursue their dreams alone. They need nudges. They need someone to remember what they said. They need someone to take their dreams seriously, even if they mentioned them casually.
This is why I keep a running gift list all year long. Every time someone says:
- I would love to try
- One day I want to
- It would be so cool if
I add it to the list.
Helping people pursue their dreams is an act of connection, identity, presence, and love. When birthdays or holidays roll around, I already know exactly what will light them up. It makes gift giving easier and it helps the people I love live their best, fully expressed lives.
This is LIFE AT A TEN, not just for you but for them too.
If you want tools to create moments like this in your own relationships, you will love what is inside LIFE AT A TEN: https://www.xkristen.com/lifeataten
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