Dream the Dream
You've probably seen this already, but just in case:
Susan Boyle video
I've watched this about ten times now. It brings me to tears every time. And today I ran across this fantastic blog post about "when to quit" that was inspired by this clip. My favorite quote:
"You quit when you want something else, more. You quit when you have another dream that means more to you."
But you don't quit until then. Even if everyone in the audience is snickering at you. Even if your snickering audience is just your cat. I believe this in my heart of hearts. Dream the dream.
Now, back to revising chapter two...
Labels: Dreaming the Dream, Susan Boyle, Things That Are Awesome
posted by Sarah Beth Durst @ 5:09 PM
14 comments
14 Comments:
I like how she acknowledges that it's about the hard work in the meantime, too. I've been thinking a lot lately about the balance between not giving up on dreams, and not being naive about them (thinking the dream itself is enough without the work, too).
And yet how to say that while not quashing optimism--I think it's hard, and that post did it well.
Okay, and I only just heard the version of Boyle's song with the judges' reactions.
Four thousand people on their feet cheering, and she still wasn't sure, until the judges said so, that they'd liked it. Something else we writers can relate to.
(Because, we all know way too well--4000 people cheering doesn't mean the response won't still be "but I don't think I can sell this in the current marketplace." We often don't believe it until there's no denying it.)
I love this! It makes me cry too.
Ok, I'll be the elephant in the room and say that I just don't get it. Yes, she has an amazing voice, but so do scores of people that I see on these types of shows. The only thing that seems any different to me is that this lady isn't all that attractive. For that her singing is moving?? Her singing is great, but why should it be unexpected for beautiful music to come from a plain woman?? I find the whole thing (esp. people's reactions in the video) borderline offensive.
"Hey look this ugly lady has some serious voice talent!"
I'm probably missing something that hopefully someone can fill me in on, but right now, I don't get it (and I've watched it twice).
I'd agree with Rick, but say I don't think you're missing anything. People in general have been so trained and conditioned that beauty = goodness that when they see the opposite they don't reevaluate their position; instead they say "What a miracle!"
About quitting:
I had my break-through about that last summer. I had made a commitment I was regretting (I agreed to do a storytelling concert, but had no heart to practice). I asked my dear husband if there was ever any reason to drop a commitment, expecting a rousing pep-talk to get my butt back in gear.
Instead he looked at me and said, "If it's not rewarding or required there's no reason to do it."
That was the best thing he could have said to me, because it took away the weight of *shoulds* (which is kind of hard to believe with the *required* bit in there) and let me look at things in a new way.
(Which I suppose is a different point than in Toni's article-- but I can't think of the question of quitting without remembering last summer.)
I think it is fun to watch someone defy expectations, but that’s not what made me tear up. After all, I don’t expect a soaring voice out of a 12-year-old boy either, but I didn’t cry when that kid sang. The thing that made me cry about the Susan Boyle clip (and the thing that I think is important about it) is that when you watch this video, you are watching someone’s impossible dream come true. You’re watching someone who is old enough to have seen the tigers come at night -- to have faced the dream-crushing moments -- and yet she continued to dream and more importantly (as Janni said above) continued to work for her dream.
Thanks for that response, Sarah-- it was perfect.
That's the way I felt about Paul Potts, especially seeing him up against little kids who had so much time left to play in. I guess this time around I was more jaded, and I appreciate you responding.
I LOVED this video, and I watched several times too, and I wanted to tell you how much I LoOoOoOoOve your new cover. It is GORGEOUS! And the description -- it's such a fabulous fairy tale and your take on it sounds so new. An arctic research station = perfect. Totally intriguing.
Yay!
Thanks, Laini! I'm really, really, really excited about it. Also excited for Silksinger and Lips Touch!
I totally agree with your comments about reaching goals and dreams Sarah, but that's not why this has become an internet phenom. Witness: http://tinyurl.com/dc2sl7
Those British guys are not yelling about "you didn't expect that!" because she reached her life's dream - they are yelling it 'cause she's a plain woman and plain woman aren't supposed to have talents, supposedly. That makes me angry and the success of this video makes me angry for that same reason. It's similar to how people used to love to point out how Cindy Crawford was a high school valedictorian.
Studies show that attractive people get paid more, have greater success and achieve things easier. That just seems wrong.
Ok, enough ranting about this - I'm happy that SB is pursuing her dreams and getting somewhere. I can leave it at that. :)
Go Polar Bears!
i dreamed a dream is one of my favorite songs ever.maybe because i know how it Ends for Fantine, or maybe because that is how the world seems, the song always brings me to tears.
...please where can I buy a unicorn?
Hedgi: Me too. I love that song.
Anonymous: If you find out, let me know... :)
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