Your dreams can slip away if you don’t fight for them. It might sound funny, but you are in a relationship with your dreams, passions, or purpose. Watching the latest season of Bridgerton (a series I vowed not to watch after they removed the Duke of Hastings :(, but eventually gave in due to numerous recommendations for season 3), I noticed Penelope was in a relationship with being Lady Whistledown. It was complicated because she had to choose between giving up being Lady Whistledown or giving up Colin, her long-time love and crush. Which one would it be? Marry the man of her dreams, a wealthy man, gaining her mother’s praise and societal approval, or continue being Lady Whistledown, her dream, her safe place in a hypocritical society, her power, and passion? If her identity as Whistledown was revealed, she would be cast out of society, bringing great shame to her family and making her ineligible to marry.
Real-Life Dilemmas:
This dilemma is familiar to many of us when pursuing our dreams. Should we chase our dreams or provide for our family? Should we pursue them or work a 9-5 job we hate? Should we pursue them or marry someone who expects us to support their dreams while ours take a back seat? Like Penelope, we hesitate, fearing the consequences of our choices. We worry about losing support, financial stability, or social standing.
Fear of Consequences:
Penelope’s hesitation to tell Colin was driven by fear: “He is going to hate me, he will never marry me, he will never forgive me.” She almost considered abandoning her Whistledown identity. Even after Colin found out, he tried to separate her from her identity. Imagine trying to separate someone from what they identify as! Throughout the seasons, Penelope was never more confident than when she embraced her identity as Lady Whistledown, refusing to let anyone take her shine or destroy her passion for writing and gossip. She protected her identity because there is no Lady Whistledown without Penelope, just as there is no dream without you. Your dream is unique because you are unique.
Uniqueness as Strength:
Consider Beyoncé or Rihanna; their distinct voices set them apart. People can recognize their music without seeing their faces because their voices are unique to them. This uniqueness is their identity. Similarly, when Cressida’s mother tried to impersonate Lady Whistledown, the real Lady Whistledown’s return was immediately recognized. Your dream is your identity, given to you because you can change the world and inspire others with it.
Inspiring Others:
This isn’t a cliché but a reality in today’s world. Many people aspire to be something extraordinary because someone else has shown them it’s possible. Penelope, for example, became a trendsetter in a society where women were expected only to marry and have children. Her sister was proud to have a girl, believing she would grow up to be a fine writer, inspired by Penelope’s example.
Conclusion:
Don’t let your dream die. Fight for it. If your heart burns for it, don’t let it burn in vain. Penelope gained acceptance for who she was and even got her husband Colin to accept that she couldn’t be separated from Whistledown. In real life, once you are confident in your dream, others might try to make decisions for you or give excuses. Stand firm, because your dream is your identity.