Dream Deferred, Not Forgotten: Chasing Childhood Ambitions in Midlife

Oprah was all the rage during my formative years. I often rushed to complete my

outdoor chores to catch as much as possible.

My mother watched her every day while resting on the couch, and I would take the floor.

Watching her program, I learned many valuable life lessons—like protecting your

handbag in the ladies' room or the "correct way" to shave your legs to perfect

smoothness from an Olympic swimmer.

Me on the farm on my way to school. (mid 90's)

Like many others, I also hoped to be in the audience at her holiday giveaways.

Some argue Oprah's influence peaked in 1996 when she launched Oprah's book club,

which skyrocketed sales for lucky authors.

This caught my attention.

At that time, I was 11 years old and already knew I had something worthwhile to say.

One day, I would have a book worthy of Oprah's book club and get an interview on her

famous couch. Would I jump on it like Tom Cruise?

In 2005, she championed James Frey's book A Million Little Pieces. However, it soon

became clear that he had fabricated significant portions of his story, which caused

outrage and controversy.

I was 20 years old, and this moment took me back to my dream when I was 11.

I knew my story didn't need to be fabricated to be compelling. I was annoyed that

someone with a fake story could become so celebrated when real stories were worth

telling. Yet, I shelved my dream and moved through the world.

I built a career, a life, a marriage, and a family.

Now, at 40, I am chasing my dream. I have a steep learning curve ahead—a bumpy

road as I navigate motherhood, learning to write a book, and an industry I know nothing

about.

Oprah may not have a couch for me to jump on now, but she still has a book club.

A lofty goal, I know, but Oprah's book club—here I come.

Do you have a dream deferred? What would it take for you to reclaim it?