I Believe in Dreams by Jessica Gross

Night night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite. I remember hearing my grandma tell me when I was little. These simple peaceful words were the last thing I heard before I fell sound asleep. I was quickly surrounded by horses, birds, the ocean and everything that made me happy. I still get this same affect, but with different things, like boys, cars, and yes, still horses. Almost all of us have had something that gives up this affect. That something is a dream. I believe in dreams.

Even though dreams are very simple things, they tell us a lot about ourselves. Dreams show us what we really want. If you see a wide open ocean or sky, it might mean you feel unable to express yourself, and you are longing for that freedom. If you find yourself running down a hall with a light shining through a door, but the door just keeps moving farther and farther away, it could mean you feel trapped and need to get away. Or, for some of us, we don't get these mixed messages, instead, we see exactly what we want. You might find yourself behind the wheel of the truck or car you have always wanted or that one person you want to be with standing beside you, promising never to leave you.

Now, one of the most important things to remember about dreams is, they are just that - dreams. We do see what we want in our dreams, but the question is, are we brave enough or do we want it enough, to actually do what it takes to get it. It is up to you to get what you want. Everyone is always saying, I have to see it to believe it . Well, you can see your dreams, but now its up to you to make them a reality or to realize - I wrestled that crocodile and won that girl in my dream, but I really don't think I can actually do that.

The single thing that makes dreams so special is, they are yours. You are the only one who can change them. No one can step in and tell you that you are wrong or that could never do that. More importantly, no one can take them from you. They are yours and you can do whatever you please with them. Dreams may be the only place you feel safe or in control, and no one can change that or take it away. If you want a hippo, no one can tell you no. Your dreams are the one place you can be yourself and no one will judge you or hold it against you. It s the one place you are free to be you.

Whether you are the person who seems to do everything or just a wall flower, we all have dreams. If you want to be a super hero or a clown, you find out a lot from your dreams. Your dreams are yours and no one can take them from you. Maybe you will be able to make them a reality someday. For now, when your parents tell you good night, don t take it as an unfair issue, instead see it as your one way ticket to your own secret little world - your dreams. I believe in dreams.