Plans have to be realistic; dreams don’t.

If you add some rationality to your dreams, they become plans, but dreams don't have to be practical.

This seems obvious, but I've recently talked to a few people who say that sometimes they feel like their dreams aren't achievable! 

Dreams have a crucial role in our daily lives. They provide motivation for our day-to-day acts and point us in the direction we should go in life. A dream is a symbol of our infinite potential. It encourages us to push ourselves to learn and develop in ways we never imagined possible.

If we don't allow ourselves to dream big, we'll never realise our entire potential.

Having restrictions placed on our lives prevents us from exploring our creative potential. We are not limited to what is right in front of us. Instead, we can look beyond the rules and laws of our society to find unanticipated ways to improve things.

To restrict our hopes and ambitions is to restrict our future possibilities.

The wildest of my dreams is having the perfect family where I am a stay-at-home dad, living in a charming bungalow in the suburbs, teaching and writing in the mornings, and playing with my kids in the afternoons.

“No matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.”—Lupita Nyong’o. 

Invariably, the people I tell this to respond with a faint smile and the observation that this is the first time they have heard of such a thing; my typical response is that I haven't seen anything like it very often, so it must be a dream.

You, too, my friend, are entitled to dream about whatever your heart desires. It's meant to be a personal affair. None of the "wish police" or "dream doctors" are on the prowl, keeping an eye out for overly idealistic expectations.

Our dreams lay the groundwork for our ability to mould and create the future. Putting rules and restrictions on our imaginations keeps us from learning new things and improving our lives. Our ability to learn new things and gain unique insights is being stifled.

If you add some rationality to your dreams, they become plans, but dreams don't have to be practical.

So dare to dream!