i•n•s•p•i•r•a•t•i•o•n•s

Good Afternoon. Here is a great thought for the day:

Your dream is to have a dream.

Are you in need of a new dream? A critical step in getting what you want is figuring out what that is, and sometimes that's the hardest step. Many don't know what their dreams are or, having been disappointed in the past, may be afraid to dream again.

Life without dreams is no life at all. When our existence gets reduced to a list of problems to solve or things to check off, passion dries up. Imagine a different list, one comprised of projects and activities that are the expression of your heart and soul. Reconnect to what makes you happy. Do you know what that is?

If someone tells me, "I don't have any dreams," I offer back, "It sounds like your dream is to have a dream." In a heartbeat, they move from having a problem to solve to getting into action on something they want... a dream. It's more powerful to move toward what you want than to move away from something you want to get rid of.

Not all dreams must be huge or designed to save the world. Your dream to spend more quality time with your family or to be paid well for doing work that you love is just as important. If your dream matters to you, then it is precious and worthy of pursuit.

Dreamers live longer.

But what has being realistic cost you? According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, author of You, The Owner's Manual and lead heart surgeon at New York University, it can cost you your life. He says, "People with passion and dreams live seven to ten years longer than those just going through the motions."

Dr. Oz taught me a medical term called "Apoptosis." When your brain believes you've outgrown your usefulness, which happens when people retire, get laid off, experience an empty nest, or when they have stopped dreaming, the brain sends a message to the body that it is no longer needed. The result? We begin to mentally and/or physically self-destruct.

The cure? Passion and dreams.

Connected to our dreams, we literally have a reason to live. If you think dreams are selfish, consider this - "Inspire" means to breathe, so not only is it not selfish, but it's an act of generosity to dream. Create dreams for and with the people you love and remind them that their precious dreams matter. They'll thank you.

Dream Insights:

• You have to have a dream to have a dream come true.

• Without dreams, all you have is reality.

• Trust your intuition and follow your heart.

• Every resource you need to achieve your dream is available to you, for the asking.

• You have the ability to make your dreams happen, but it requires your willingness to do whatever it takes.

• On the other side of fear are great lessons. Stay more committed to your dream than to your doubt.

• As you complete one dream, it's time for another. Don't ever be afraid to cross the finish line. There are always more dreams available.

Have a wonderful day.

"Each morning is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When the sun rises tomorrow this day will be gone forever, in its place will be something you have left — may it be something good. Follow your heart, it knows what to do."

London Delicious stories are distributed weekly by email. If you'd like to be sure not to miss our next story, sign up for a free subscription here: