"I am my ancestors' wildest dreams."
Have you seen this quote? Powerful, isn't it? From the best I can tell, this statement originated with Brandan Odums, a visual artist, activist, and filmmaker from New Orleans. The statement originated in his artwork and can now be found on t-shirts and prints, which you can purchase here.
When we say that something is in our 'wildest dreams,' we are usually talking about something SO out-of-reach, SO absurd, that it is just ridiculous to ever conceive of it happening. When we think about what our ancestors' 'wildest dreams' were when they were alive, we finally get a sense of how far we have progressed, within both our society and our individual families, through the generations.
What were our ancestors' wildest dreams?
Freedom
Equality
Respect
Acceptance
A Voice
Safety
Shelter
Education
Work and Financial Independence
Health Care
Sanitation
Overall, our ancestors' deepest, wildest dreams were that their descendants would somehow have it better than they did, and that their children would continue to strive to help the next generation achieve more through the years.
That list above are things that most of us take for granted on a regular basis. But they were out of reach to many of our ancestors. (And' unfortunately, they are still out of reach to many people throughout the world today.)
I want to write this statement on my kids' school folders, so that they see it every day. It's a strong reminder that encourages appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifices, sufferings, and works of our ancestors. When I read it, I am humbled. But the statement also brings to me a sense of self-worth and a unique feeling of importance, knowing that I am the fulfillment of another person's dreams and hard work of the past. It is empowering. This statement has the ability to boost the self-esteem and motivation of anyone who may be struggling with questions of identity or purpose, or for those longing for a connection to something bigger than themselves.
I've designed a short one-page writing lesson for kids (upper-elementary and above) to help them think about this concept a little bit more. My hopes are that completing these questions will give kids a better perspective of how they fit into their family's story, encourage them to think more about the sacrifices and struggles of family members who persevered before them, and maybe even remind them of their duty to the next generation. (Click on image to download.)
When we say that something is in our 'wildest dreams,' we are usually talking about something SO out-of-reach, SO absurd, that it is just ridiculous to ever conceive of it happening. When we think about what our ancestors' 'wildest dreams' were when they were alive, we finally get a sense of how far we have progressed, within both our society and our individual families, through the generations.
What were our ancestors' wildest dreams?
Freedom
Equality
Respect
Acceptance
A Voice
Safety
Shelter
Education
Work and Financial Independence
Health Care
Sanitation
Overall, our ancestors' deepest, wildest dreams were that their descendants would somehow have it better than they did, and that their children would continue to strive to help the next generation achieve more through the years.
That list above are things that most of us take for granted on a regular basis. But they were out of reach to many of our ancestors. (And' unfortunately, they are still out of reach to many people throughout the world today.)
I want to write this statement on my kids' school folders, so that they see it every day. It's a strong reminder that encourages appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifices, sufferings, and works of our ancestors. When I read it, I am humbled. But the statement also brings to me a sense of self-worth and a unique feeling of importance, knowing that I am the fulfillment of another person's dreams and hard work of the past. It is empowering. This statement has the ability to boost the self-esteem and motivation of anyone who may be struggling with questions of identity or purpose, or for those longing for a connection to something bigger than themselves.
I've designed a short one-page writing lesson for kids (upper-elementary and above) to help them think about this concept a little bit more. My hopes are that completing these questions will give kids a better perspective of how they fit into their family's story, encourage them to think more about the sacrifices and struggles of family members who persevered before them, and maybe even remind them of their duty to the next generation. (Click on image to download.)
©2017 Emily Kowalski Schroeder
