dreams

I was privileged to attend the NASA Social at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, this past Wednesday in celebration of the Orion test flight. Hundreds of other space enthusiasts joined us at NASA installations across the United States, sharing the events of the day through social media.

Since my dad insisted I watch the moon landing when I was 9 years old, I’ve been crazy about space and spaceflight. I heard rocket engines being tested at Redstone Arsenal, a dozen or so miles from my home. I like the technology, but above all, I’m a romantic. Spaceflight is the ultimate adventure, fulfilling the dreams of science fiction writers and movie makers.

While watching the coverage of the Orion launch on NASA TV this morning, I heard Mark Geyer, Orion Program Manager, speaking about passion and dreams. I realized that to accomplish anything huge and spectacular requires those elements. Passion for what you’re striving to do, and dreams to sustain and inspire you on that journey. It’s true in spaceflight, and true in your author journey.

Dream big. What do you want to accomplish? Do you have a vision of what your success looks like? NASA’s journey to Mars—humanity’s journey—is a huge dream that seems amazing and daunting. But you must have a big dream to work your way back to how to accomplish it. Sure, publishing a book isn’t as enormous an endeavor as going to Mars, but it can be enormous in your life.

That’s where passion comes in. Believe in your dream. Passion gives you the power to achieve your dreams. Be passionate and excited and driven to succeed in what you want to do. And share that passion with others. The Orion flight wasn’t accomplished by one person, but teams of dedicated, passionate people all over the world. When you share your passion, you engage the dreams of others around you. Ask for help, volunteer your help.

Passion and dreams. You can do it!