does the American dream still exist
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
The American dream is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as an American social ideal that stresses egalitarianism and especially material prosperity; also: the prosperity or life that is the realization of this deal”. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/American dream
Certainly the dream that still exists around the world today is reflected in this definition. But how do Americans feel about this definition? It is easy to feel patriotic when the mortgage is paid, utilities paid, refrigerator full of groceries and friends and family surrounding you. Let’s face it, the American dream has changed for quite a few people over the last few years.
As dismal as it may seem to those who remain unemployed, who find themselves using government benefits for the first time, who have to sit their family down to explain why this Christmas will be different…we CAN still live the American dream.
I debate sometimes with friends and family, that our country was and still is designed for the entrepreneur, the innovator, the out of the box thinker. Yes, we absolutely need every segment of the workforce that currently exists. However, the original “design” of this country will not just always be supported and protected, but it is the hope of people from every corner of the world that still arrive on our shores everyday!
We love to complain about our government and politicians, however we get to do it where ever and however we want. As Americans we are so arrogant about our freedoms, we struggle to watch a CNN footage of a first time democracy vote in another country, shaking our heads.
The beauty of who we are as Americans, is that you can start over any day and you will have a crowd cheering you on. We applaud the 22 year old getting their bachelors degree as we do the 55 year old. We get excited about business plan workshops and new industries being developed because of the potential. We pay money (good money) to see and hear motivational speakers, because sometimes the days and weeks get blurred in our routine of work, school and family. Watch this video for a great lyrical summary of our American dream. So many ways to express our pride of the American dream, embrace them all.
“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve”-Napoleon Hill.
Know that because of the American dream, you don’t have to give up. You can get tired, scratch your head to figure out how you got here, but you can’t give up. Not on you or your family. So brush off your shoulder, get up and keep it moving!
That means, pursue your dream of home ownership, writing your book, finishing school, starting that business or expanding to the next location. There are enough American “seeds” of dreams, that are waiting to bloom. The “sun” is going to be your motivation, the rain will be your sweat and the dream realized will be WORTH it.
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