Dancing Elephants Press | Wish List

The Ultimate Wish List: Dreaming Big and Beyond"

In response to Dancing Elephants prompt 42 of 52

"You’ve got to have a dream. If you don’t have a dream, how are you going to make a dream come true?" - Jiminy Cricket, Disney’s Pinocchio

I grew up in a middle-class family. Middle-class families often have to carefully budget and prioritize expenses. Education is highly valued and parents place significant emphasis on academic achievement. My parents always wanted to give me and my sister a quality education.

Growing up in a financially constrained environment, my parents faced significant hardships due to poverty. They never had the opportunity to receive a proper education, and they understood the importance of knowledge and learning in breaking the cycle of poverty. Their struggles fueled a deep desire to provide a better life for their children, and they knew that education was the key to achieving this dream.

My parents would often share their stories of struggle, emphasizing that education was the key to breaking the chains of poverty that held our family for generations. They wanted us to have opportunities they never had, to pursue our passions, and build a life on our own terms.

My father and my mother left our village and came to city of Ahmedabad to build their own life. I still remember the story my father told me that when they first came to Ahmedabad they lived in a one-room with an attached bathroom and kitchen where also me and my sister were born later. It was hard to live in such a small space taking care of two small children. While studying, I faced many struggles such as living in a very small house and never having any personal space for me to study or pursue hobbies.

Even despite studying, I always helped my mom with household chores. My family’s financial constraints made it difficult for me to afford private coaching classes so I used to self-study. Living that life, I learn to overcome hardships and struggles in my life.

Since then, I always dreamt of making my own life and made my parents proud of me.

So, I started to see dreams early on in my life and made so many wishes for life. And Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles prompt inspired me to share some of my wishes here.

• I want to build my own luxurious house where I can stay with my family.
• Experience the serene beauty of the Maldives' overwater bungalows.
• Learning to surf or scuba dive.
• Taking up rock climbing or hiking in stunning national parks
• I want to buy a luxurious car.
• Engage in regular physical activities that promote health and well-being, such as yoga or hiking.
• Show empathy and kindness to others, striving to make a positive impact on their lives.
• Pursue lifelong learning by reading diverse books, attending workshops, or taking online courses in areas of interest.
• Set aside time for self-reflection and journaling to understand personal values, strengths, and areas for growth.
• Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and development, rather than fearing failure.
• Witness the Northern Lights in Iceland.
• Encourage and inspire others to give back and create a positive ripple effect.
• Travel to new places, embracing diverse cultures, and fostering a deeper understanding of the world.
• Explore creative outlets such as painting, writing, photography, or playing a musical instrument.
• Share creative work with others to inspire and connect with a broader audience.
• Celebrate creativity and use it as a tool for self-expression and personal growth.
• Cultivate a daily gratitude practice, acknowledging the blessings and positive aspects of life.
• Surround oneself with positive influences and choose optimism in the face of challenges.
• Practice self-compassion and be kind to oneself in times of difficulty.
• Use technology mindfully, avoiding excessive screen time and fostering meaningful connections with others offline.
• Contribute positively to online spaces by sharing valuable content and promoting empathy and respect.

I try to live a meaningful life as it emphasizes personal growth, connection, and making a positive impact on the world, ultimately leading to a life of fulfillment and purpose.

Thanks for reading!