A "new country" might be good...

Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.

ANAÏS NIN(gratefulness.org) Gurdev Singh Sidhu: Nin is not only suggesting to dream big (“into space”), but also to dream wide, shown by the subtle plurality of “dreams”. This almost unconstrained life advice can result in positive life events and in happiness independent of goal-oriented outcomes. Like Nin’s kite in open space, setting our dreams and aspirations free lets them move and grow organically in the natural world of influence. The author is recommending a lack of attachment to any rigid outcome and enjoying the mystery of what can happen. This is something I can personally relate to from studying engineering with no rigid employment plans afterwards. I cast a wide net and found a research role as a PhD student. There one of my dreams (learning engineering continuously) was realised, and I also literally experienced each of “a new life, a new love, a new friend, a new country” in my work experiences and travels. Further to the mystery of outcomes, the quote reminds us to enjoy the experiences and journeys along the way as our dreams develop. After all, we do not fly kites only to have a kite in our hands at the end; the enjoyment comes from watching them soar through the sky. Again, this is something I can personally attest to – learning, researching, networking and presenting to audiences is all part of an enjoyable journey that is more valuable than the piece of paper at the end. However, I remind you that the kite that lands back in my hands is not the one I threw up into space; it’s evolved and bettered, but only by letting it fly freely. In closing, set your dreams free. Have multiple, let them grow organically. Expand the platitude of “follow your dreams” to give them the freedom to loosely guide you, as they themselves are guided like the kite in the wind. Catch them when they return, but also enjoy the flight itself. Lastly, always remember that “having fun while wasting time is not time wasted” —- from Gamsat essays 2015