If you want to succeed.
We all have goals. Many of us (if we’re lucky) even have lofty ones. Unbelievable ones. The type that most reasonable people would scoff at. But again, if we’re lucky, we are not most people. We don’t shy away from believing that the impossible can really happen for us or to us. The odds may not be in our favor. But to that I say:
So what? Someone is going to achieve that impossible-seeming dream that I’m chasing. Why can’t it be me?
If I’m willing to put in the work. If I’m willing to chase the dream as far as it takes. If I’m willing to keep at it forever. If I’m willing to jump over countless hurdles along the way and power through…Then I believe it can be me.
Of course, I KNOW there are so many reasons why I may not succeed. But even still. I find it fascinating that I truly believe my elusive dream is going to come true. Why is this?
Why are some of us unwilling to accept the fact that our goals are unattainable?
Some might say we’re tenacious. Some might say we’re stubborn. Others may say we’re delusional. And all that may be true. But I think something else is at play here. I think the reason that that those of us who dare to set nearly impossible goals and believe we really can succeed is because early on, we were encouraged to have an open mind—to believe in the impossible.
While hope may not be a strategy for creatives, believing in the impossible can be. Because how can you create something that you don’t imagine first?
More importantly…how can we encourage kids to develop this skill? By opening their minds to worlds where other kids do. Enter, this week’s STORY SWIRL.
Last week, I introduced my summer blog series: STORY SWIRLS. In case you missed it…story swirls are short blog posts pairing middle grade books with questions to wonder through and quick activity sparks that are sure to get kids and teams in imagination mode. Click here to read last week’s story swirl and keep reading to find the next!
Middle Grade Book: Gnome Is Where Your Heart Is by Casey Lyall
When Lemon discovers a mysterious gnome in her basement, she’s swept into a quest full of riddles, unlikely alliances, and emotional depth. It’s funny, heartfelt, and deeply imaginative—a perfect blend of mystery and magical realism.
This book feels like:
- A giggle echoing through the trees
- Magic in the middle of the map
- A dusty clue on the back of an old postcard
- The brave moment you trust something unbelievable
Wonder Prompt:
What if the most magical object in your house was hidden in plain sight—but could only be seen by you?
Spark Activity: “Lost & Found Legends” (Team-Building + Storytelling Focus)
In small teams, kids choose one everyday object (a sock, a whisk, a pencil case) and invent a legend about its secret magical origin. They’ll answer:
- Where did it come from?
- What can it do?
- Why was your team chosen to find it?
Each team presents their object like a museum tour guide—or creates a short skit explaining how they’ll protect it from mythical trouble.
Activity Twist: Collect the objects and create a museum case or picture collage for kids to look at throughout the school year or sports season for imaginative inspiration!
I promised a short blog post and this was anything but. Sorry! I get fired up when talking about big dreams and never giving up!
So, on that note: Keep chasing down your dreams, friends. And I will too!
