In life, opportunities often come knocking at unexpected times, opening doors to experiences that...
My dream is to sail aboard every single Challenge 72 vessel I can. It might seem like an odd or obscure goal to most people, and that’s perfectly fine—it’s mine, and it doesn’t need to be understood by anyone else. I didn’t fully understand it myself at first. All I knew was that I needed a dream, and this one resonated with me. The sea called to me; these vessels called to me. Nothing in the world brings me more joy than being aboard a Challenge 72 yacht, out in the open ocean.
The Challenge 72 yachts were built for the Global Challenge races back in 2000, which were often called the "world's toughest yacht race." Designed to withstand the most demanding ocean conditions, these 72-foot steel-hulled vessels were created for safety, durability, and performance in the harshest seas. The race took crews on a circumnavigation of the globe against prevailing winds and currents—a true test of skill, endurance, and teamwork. Though the Global Challenge races are no longer held, these iconic vessels remain a symbol of adventure, resilience, and the pursuit of extraordinary dreams.
Before I set out on this journey, I didn’t have a bucket list or a dream that really lit me up. I felt the need for one, but I struggled to pinpoint what I wanted to chase. Maybe it was a lack of confidence, a fear of choosing something I wasn’t sure I could achieve, that held me back from committing to a goal.
We often read about extraordinary people accomplishing incredible feats. They seem almost superhuman, dedicating their entire lives to a chosen dream, and it’s easy to feel “average” in comparison. You might wonder, “Why didn’t I have a passion like that from childhood? What is my superpower?” You question if you missed your chance or if you should have stuck with that one thing you dabbled in years ago.
It’s easy to measure yourself against greatness and feel discouraged. It’s easy to tell yourself that it’s too late to pursue a goal worthy of admiration. So, we give up on the idea, push it aside, and carry on. Perhaps we’re content with our everyday lives, finding satisfaction in the small wins and the reachable goals within arm’s length. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that; every achievement, big or small, is worthy of celebration.
But if you feel a longing for something more, if you find yourself craving a dream to follow, you can. It’s never too late. You don’t even need to know whether it’s achievable. What I’ve learned from chasing my dream is that simply having one in your mind guides your choices. You become open to opportunities you hadn’t considered before. You find a newfound willingness to try new things, to shape your inner narrative, and unlock doors that were once sealed shut by insecurity or doubt.
So, if you’re feeling like the life you’re living isn’t quite enough, give yourself permission to dream. Choose something that stirs your soul, something that feels like it’s a part of you. It doesn’t need to make sense right away, and it certainly doesn’t need to make sense to anyone else. As you pursue it, you’ll find meaning and answers along the way. The dream will evolve as you go, taking you to places you never imagined and leading you to do things you never thought possible.
There’s no deadline, no pressure to achieve it within a set timeframe. You can set milestones if you like, but it’s not essential. Just go with the flow. Follow the signs and pathways in its direction. The further you travel, the clearer the path becomes. And with each step, you’ll gain more confidence in your ability to reach what you set out to do.
