Day 120: Dream Jobs

Today, in lesson, we were allowed to talk about our dream job. I find it's one of those things people are a bit embarrassed to talk about, like if they say it out load it will get lost in space or jinxed or some other such nonsense. But, when they do talk about it, they won't such up and their enthusiasm actually makes your own brain hurt.

You know the feeling?

Well, this happened to me today. I was all shy about it and then it was like I exploded and actually almost forgot I was in a classroom with loads of other people who wanted to share their dreams! A little embarrassing, but you can't say I lack passion!

So what is your dream job, I hear you ask? Well, in a nutshell, I want to do exactly what it is I'm doing now in this blog. I want to inspire young people to be creative in whatever way I can. I want to be that inspirational visitor you get each year at school, where everyone says, 'wow, I want to do creativity too!'

Anyway, enough about me! I want to talk about you guys. What do YOU want to be? What's your dream job?

Could you do me all a favour? Can you write it down and put it in a box and look after it, because I am conducting an experiment (in my head). I want to know if dream jobs change. I'm pretty sure they do. Check this out, 10 years ago I did not want to inspire creativity, I wanted to be a paleontologist, then a artist, then a historian, then a nurse, then a youth worker, then a writer (I still want that!) and now an...well, I guess you could call it an inspirer!

When I look at my list, I just get excited about how many things I could be if I put my mind to it. And the same can be said for you. I bet if you made a list of 'past dream jobs' they would be just as adventurous as mine.

We can be anything we want, so go for it! Write down that dream job and do whatever it is you need to get there. With creativity on your side, you can do anything!

Dream big. Think bigger!

Day 112: David Gatward

Hey gang,

Today I went along to a school's event for year 7s. It was a talk by a new writer called David Gatward and let me tell you, it was hilarious! He stood up the front with the brightest climbing leggings you've ever seen, a purple velvet blazer, wellies and a red tie. Why? Well, to illustrate how he became a writer, of course!

He had this nugget to share with everyone; hold on to your dreams. If you want to be a best-selling author, a Pixar animator, a Royal Ballet dancer or even the biggest rock-star ever, hold onto that dream and keep going. David Gatward has been trying to become a published writer for 20 years whilst doing completely unrelated jobs like fish farming! BUT, he held onto his dream and now he's well on his way!

If you guys are into horror stories, you should definitely check him out. He's written 3 books now, The Dead, The Dark and The Damned (out next April). His covers are illustrated by Mel Grant who illustrated Iron Maiden covers! Cool huh! There are competitions on his website too.

So, be inspired by a man who has accomplished his dream job and keep going with yours...

Day 90: Who's the man!

Last night I went to a wedding reception. It was one of those weird occasions where you don't know anyone there except the person you go with. You nervously dance on the dance floor, sip wine and smile...

Perhaps the strangest thing about the evening was the DJ. Imagine my surprise when I walk into the 'disco room' and see a 60 year old man strutting his Micheal Jackson style moves on the dance floor. Yep, he was the DJ. Slightly bazaar to say the least!

But it got me thinking about people's dreams. If the crazy DJ wasn't so intimidating with his amazing moves, I might have gone up and ask him if being a DJ was his life ambition. But, alas, I didn't so I have nothing to do but assume.

My point is that people have dreams, ambitions, hopes for their futures, but how many people achieve them? Well, it would appear that it's never too late (or too early) to go for it. If you've got the skills (or the moves) then use them. If you haven't got the skills, then get them! Go on a course, go to an after school club, a weekend club...speak to that guy, that contact, that friend whose 'in the business'.

There's no time like the present to follow your dreams. Be inspired by the 60 year old DJ. I certainly am! Get out there and go for it!