Giving Your Dreams Life
Have you ever had a dream that you dared to dream? One that you really wanted to come true, but if you were being honest with yourself, you doubted if it would ever truly become a reality?
It's been hitting me lately, that one of those dreams is actually happening for me, and I just cannot fathom that it's real. I feel like any moment now I am gonna wake up and it will all have been a magical illusion my brain cooked up while I slept.
But as far as I can tell, I am awake, it's real, it's happening.
The Rainbow Tree, my first children's book, was published in July of 2025, and the next one,
Destroy the Box, is coming out next week! (SCREAMSSSSSSS in Celebratory tone.) I have learned so much about myself during this journey. I wanna share a bit of it here to encourage you as you seek to make your own dreams a reality.
1. Perfection is the enemy.
Many of us don't start things because we fear they won't be good enough. That is true. It won't be perfect. No one/nothing is. Knowing that, get started on whatever it is you dream about doing. Seriously, do it now. Knowing now that it won't be perfect should make you feel better to get going!
2. Procrastination is fear.
Every time I put off creating an illustration for the book, it was NOT because I didn't have time or resources to do so. I was scared to death. Scared that I couldn't create what I needed to. Scared it would look silly. Scared it wouldn't look “professional." Scared no one would take me seriously as an illustrator. Scared that all the art friends I have would mock it in secret. Sigh… I have been scared a lot so I put the work off for a few weeks while I found some courage. Don't worry, I found it and told procrastination to kiss my…
3. People will always laugh.
Everyday, everywhere, people are laughing and talking about somebody. Sometimes it's me they are talking about, I am sure. I used to worry about this. Not much anymore. Of course there are moments, but for the most part I have learned to embrace their laughter and mockery. Why? It means I am doing something worth talking about. No one talks about those who are hiding in the background. Let them laugh.
4. Process is messy.
You are going to mess up. Many times. You may cry, you will definitely cuss, and you will have one million doubts. Please, I beg you…KEEP GOING! Whatever it is that you are dreaming, someone out there needs it to happen. Maybe it's something huge that the whole world needs, or maybe it's something huge that you need to push you forward in life. Get messy in the making, doing, creating. Wear an apron if you want to. :)
5. Patience is required.
Turning a dream into a reality does not happen overnight. I first dreamed of writing a children's book way back in 2003. I have read a gazillion of them. I have researched their authors, illustrators, publishers, etc. I have studied their techniques, their words, their processes. I didn't just wake up one day to this reality that is approaching. It took a minute.
6. Permission is needed.
I will say this first and foremost here…You do not need permission from ANYONE else to start this journey. It's ok for adults to lean into playful living, creative journeys, and making their dreams come true regardless of what the “grown ups” say. And even if it's not ok, do it anyway! Our lives are so short, “you are but a mist that appears for a little while, then vanishes.” Thanks, James. :) But, one person I did desire approval for this journey from was…myself. Please, I beg you, give yourself the permission you need here. As soon as you do, the dream is one BIG step closer.
If you don't believe in you, no one else will.
Jed Dearybury embarked on his education journey in 2001. His dedication earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as Male Leader of the Year in GQ Magazine and as a South Carolina honoree of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. As a National Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist, he was also named a top 5 finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year and the first-ever Milken Fellow for the state. Since transitioning from the 2nd-grade classroom in 2015, Jed has become a leader in professional development worldwide. He shares his expertise in early childhood education, children's literature, creativity, and fine arts through teaching and higher education. In 2019, he founded his own education consulting business, mrdearybury.com LLC, serving as Director of Creativity and Innovation. Jed is also an author and illustrator, having published several books including "The Playful Classroom," "Courageous Classroom," and "The Playful Life." His debut children’s book, The Rainbow Tree published with GWG Press in June of 2025. His second children’s book, Destroy the Box will be published in March 30, 2026.
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