Midlife Creative

I heard this expression “Dream Louder” in a song written by Vanessa Gamble in the incredible musical about marriage called Til Death. In the musical, two couples find themselves stuck in the same cabin during a snowstorm. One pair is a couple of quirky young lovebirds on their honeymoon and the other, a married couple on the verge of possible separation. The older couple realize among many things that they have forgotten who they are and how to dream. Dream louder is a call to rediscovering those dreams and calling them out.

This idea rings true to me as I have spent the last 18 years pouring my energy into my kids and have neglected to recognize my dreams for self beyond motherhood. I have also neglected my marriage for seasons and have myself felt neglected.

As our 20th wedding anniversary approached this year, Mark and I began dreaming of taking a trip to reignite our love for each other and remember who we are and where we are going as a couple and as individuals.

We chose Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, as our destination and went to work getting passports and booking a resort. It felt too good to be true. As the count down to the trip got closer and Covid loomed on, I wondered if it would happen.
We drove our kids to Grandparents house, bought sunhats, and packed a combination purchased and borrowed dress up clothes and beachwear for seven days in paradise.

It actually happened. Now I’m home and it feels like waking up from the very best dream I’ve ever had. What a wonderful week in the sun it was. I feel incredibly spoiled and take none of it for granted. Waiting 20 years to go on the honeymoon I always wish I’d had made it even sweeter.

We all need to give ourselves permission to dream. What you dream for, only you may understand. It may not be a trip. It may be something else. Your dreams may change. Whatever you are dreaming, dream louder.

If you are interested in the song Dream Louder and the musical Til Death, you can find out more here.