By Dr Margaret Mwenje

Our cat recently gave birth. But we don’t know where the kittens are or whether they are alive. I wish she could speak and tell us. We have looked in all the possible birth sites around the house in vain.

I had promised some friends I would give them kittens as soon as they stopped suckling since I can’t afford to feed more than one cat. I don’t know what to tell my friends other than to come over and try to get the little animal to explain the puzzle. This has been a disappointing experience.

Just like my cat, you may have been walking around for ages pregnant with your dreams. You get excited about what you want to accomplish in life, but you don’t seem to give birth to your dream. Maybe those around you have high hopes or expectations of you but they don’t see any fruits from you.

For your dream to be born, you have to put in some effort. You have to want it so bad you are willing to do whatever it takes to make it come true. It may involve hard labour, staying up late and changing your lifestyle.

We gave our cat some pre-natal vitamins to make sure she gave birth to healthy kittens.

Likewise, you have to arm yourself with the right skills that will enable you to achieve your dream. If your dream is to become the best businessman, you need to equip yourself with business management skills.

Consult with an expert in this field. Read books about your kind of dream. Attend seminars that address issues related to your dream. Do whatever it takes to make sure you give birth to a healthy, bouncing dream.

If your dream is to be a good parent, then you need to start applying some parenting skills. Read books and magazines, attend seminars and get positive mentors. If your dream is to improve your academic performance start working extra hard, avoid negative peer influence and consult more with your teachers if something is not clear. Nothing comes without some sacrifice. If you are not sure of what to do, seek help from a counsellor.

When your dream is about to be born, you have to push it out otherwise you will remain pregnant. Get support from somebody who has already realised the kind of dream you want to bring forth. He or she will be the coach who will equip you with survival skills until you give birth. You will be glad you persevered when you achieve your long awaited dream.

When you finally give birth to your dream, you have to nurture it as it grows and flourishes. You have to stay focused on your dream. Unlike our cat, make sure you nurse your dream. You have to do whatever it takes to make your dream grow.

It does not matter how big or small your dream may look. A small dream may one day give birth to a big one if it is well nurtured. Do not despise small beginnings.

I know of somebody who started out selling sweets on the pavement. This small dream gave birth to a small kiosk and today she owns a wholesale shop. As you work on your dream, do not despair.

Encourage yourself, be strong-minded and refuse defeat. Do not engage yourself in negative inner dialogues and take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.

Don’t involve yourself in alcohol or drug addiction because this will mess up your dream. When your reasoning capacity is impaired, you can easily kill your dream.

There are people who just talk about their dreams but don’t do anything to make their dreams become a reality. These are dream chasers. Are you a dream chaser or a dream catcher?

margaretmwenje@yahoo.com