“Don’t let anyone steal your dream. It’s your dream, not theirs.” Dan Zadra

Dreams are the fuel of life. Without dreams we get stagnant, stay stuck and settle for less than we deserve. With dreams we are energized, always in motion and going after things that are bigger and better. Teaching our kids to dream and dream big is critical. Teaching them to dream and supporting their dreams builds a solid foundation for their future success. Kids need to dream and dream HUGE!

One of the things we did with our kids many years ago was to write a 101 List. On this list they had to write down 101 things they wanted to do before they died. We encouraged them to think HUGE, to think outside of the box. We wanted them tot write down all the things they dreamed of doing during their lifetime. We told them there were no right or wrong answers – they could write anything on the list.

We also did this exercise with them and then shared our lists together as a family. I still have them, they are a treasure. We take them out from time to time and cross off things we have accomplished or add new things to the list. The point is not to do every single one as sometimes things change and we no longer want to do what we thought we did. The point of keeping a list is to keep dreaming, to keep crossing things off and adding new ones. We had our bucket lists long before it became a movie.

Some of the things we had on our lists included the following:
• Move to Maine
• Get masters degree
• Take a hot air balloon ride
• Get a dog
• Catch a fish longer than me
• Meet Wayne Gretsky
• Attend father/son hockey camp
• Go to Italy
• Drive a porche
• Scuba dive
• Ride on an elephant
• Sky dive
• Be in a school play
• Taste a star fruit
• Go on a roof
• Bench press 200 pounds
• Learn to play piano
• Be in the NHL
• Go to college
• Have two kids
• Learn Spanish

Our lists are so much fun to look at and review from time to time. It is amazing to me how many things we have been able to cross off. Taking the time to sit down as a family and dream together is fun and motivating. I have never watched anyone do this exercise and not get excited. Plan time to write down 101 things you want to do before you leave this earth – you will never regret the time it took to create your list.

Variations/Suggestions:
• Try asking your kids this simple question, “If you had no fear and you knew you could not fail, what would you do?” Then write down there answers. This is a simple way to begin a 101 Life List.
• Talk to your kids about what your dreams were when you were a kid. Talk about the things you wanted to do and be and then talk about how some things have come. Talking about your own dreams is one way to encourage our kids to dream HUGE.
• Read books about people with big dreams. Watch movies about people who followed their dreams and talk to people who are working towards their dreams. Being engaged with others who dream big is a great way to make ongoing dream conversations with our kids.

Challenge: Start your 101 List today. The time is now to dream big.