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Today is a day for dreams. Here in the U.S., we commemorate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. who so powerfully changed the world with his lived philosophy of nonviolent action in the face of racism.

Dr. King's "I have a dream" speech is particularly remembered as we celebrate his contribution to humanity.

What about you? Do you have a dream?

Maybe you used to have a dream-- or lots of dreams-- but it's fallen to the back of your awareness as you move through the daily busy-ness of your life. Perhaps you've mostly forgotten what your dream was because it's been so long ago since you first envisioned it.

You might try to ignore your dream because it's just too painful. That thing that you used to get all charged up about doing or being now only brings you discomfort and regret. Your dream may feel too big or impossible.

For many of us, what we dream just doesn't fit the lives we've created for ourselves.

The choices you've made might be to have children, a committed relationship, a job to pay your bills and more. These are practical, "grown up" things that make a lot of sense. They are choices that have many benefits, but also some drawbacks.

One drawback is that you start to believe that there is no room for those "grown up" endeavors like caring for children, relationships, pets, aging parents and a home as well as succeeding at work AND also for following your dream.

The assumption is that EITHER you put food on the table and provide shelter for yourself and your family OR you embark upon what really charges you up and helps you feel more alive-- your dream.

My intention today is to disturb that either/or trap that so many of us have fallen into.

You actually don't have to choose and you don't have to give up your dream. The path before you is not so rigid and discrete as it may seem to be.

The more you open up to the possibility that there IS room for both your dream and your "grown up" and practical life, the happier and more fulfilled you will be.

Keep remembering and updating your dream.

So, what is your dream?

If you take the time to go within yourself, you'll undoubtedly find that what you dream of being and doing is not what it used to be. As a young girl, I dreamed of being a country and western singer.

I still love to sing, but this is not what I currently dream of.

Tune in to find out what your updated dream is. Don't put limits or a bunch of "yes, but" statements on whatever it is that occurs to you after you ask yourself....

"What do I dream of being, doing and having?"

Take out a piece of paper and write down everything that comes into your mind after asking yourself the question above. It can also be creative and fun to create a vision board. Fill your vision board with pictures and words of whatever it is you are dreaming of.

After your first "draft," look at what you've written or put on the vision board. Be a little choosier than before. Remove or erase items that may have an "I should" or "I need to" associated with them.

Keep those items that you feel most interested in and excited about.

Relax and allow.

Your concern is not how this dream of yours will happen. You concern doesn't even need to be coming up with the perfect wording or image for your dream. Go with what feels appealing to you and those things which bring up a spark within you.

Relax into this enlivened energy you've just pulled up for yourself and allow your dream to unfold naturally.

Okay, I know there is still that matter of your dream fitting into your "grown up" life with the job, the kids, the pets, house and more.

I recently came across the proclamation that you CAN have it all-- but you might not have it all at the exact same time. Keep this wise advice in mind.

This might not be the moment when you'll act on your dream to walk the Appalachian Trail, meet your soulmate or to start your own business...or it might be the time to take those first steps.

It's up to you to decide how and when you'll act on your dream, so stay open to make the best decision for you.

Celebrate on the way to where you're going.

The secret here is that you don't have to wait to be joyful or feel fulfilled until you attain that dream of yours. You also don't have to give up your dream in an attempt to be happy where you are.

You CAN have both happiness where you are and movement toward your dream.

Find things about your current "grown up" life that you can genuinely celebrate and be appreciative of. This will propel you forward and line you up with those new places you want to go.