When I was a girl I wanted a balloon, shiny and blue, bobbing at the end of a string. Other people had them, so why not me?
Someone gave me a box of bright colours and said sure you can, choose one.
I didn’t realise how hard it would be to turn that scrap of latex into a balloon. I huffed and puffed and blew till I almost turned blue. It didn’t work. I was ready to give up.
Someone took pity on me. They showed me another way. I narrowed my focus, took careful aim, and blew.
And blew and blew, and held on tight, so none of that precious breath escaped. And my balloon grew big and round. Carefully I tied the neck tight and added a string.
Here’s my blue balloon. It makes me smile. And it brings challenges.
A storm will come, whether tomorrow or another day.
Envious people will come, to persuade you to let go so you will be like them. Malicious people will come, hiding sharp weapons to pierce and destroy.
Anxiety will come, asking whether pink, or yellow, or green aren’t really a better choice.
Devious people will come, coveting your possession.
My answer is no.
No, the wind may not take it. I will wind the string tight in my grasp until the sun returns.
No, I have the right to my balloon and you will not deny me.
No, I will guard my balloon and defend it against attack.
No, I will stand by my choice of balloon. Other colours exist, but this one is mine.
No, I will not give you my balloon by fair means or foul. Go find your own.
Maybe your balloon isn’t blue. Maybe it’s not even a balloon. But I say, choose your dream, focus and work hard, hold on tight and defend it from all threats. Starting is hard, but the reward is worth it as long as you just keep going.
It’s the only way to make a dream come true.
