Granny Gheeta and I often spent hours conversing about the future and how important it was to make something of oneself before it was too late.

Many times Granny joked about my mischievous nature, declaring, "Magli, concentrate on making something of yourself instead of being a spectacle, because time waits on no man."Please bear in mind, that while Granny was urging me to make my life worthwhile I was only at the tender age of two years old. But, in Granny's world it was never too early to start training and making plans in life to succeed. Although Granny Gheeta was a housewife, she was by no means a desperate one, and made good use of her days by doing charity work, going to church and participating in community affairs. Through these endeavors Granny received several accommendations and accolades for her good deeds.

Even in her humble status as a Housewife, she always managed to make great strides and a name for herself. Therefore, as I got older, the stakes grew higher and she became quite concerned about the career path I would take. Would I be a Lawyer, a Doctor, or an Indian Chief?

Most people say that child's play usually gives great insight into what one might become in their later years. However, I believe that most children go through an array of professions in their minds before settling on one career.

Although Granny was enthusiastic about upward mobility, she often stressed how important it was to engage in a profession that brought personal satisfaction and allowed one to maintain his/her integrity.

During my childhood, I waxed and waned regarding my career endeavors. From the ages of 6-10 years old I told Granny I wanted to become a Flight Attendant, because I often admired how pristine they looked in their attire. Granny was mortified, especially since I made the error of broadcasting my desires to her friends while they were having tea one day. Granny quickly interrupted me, "Oh Sweetheart, I don't believe your parents are sending you to school to become a glorified maid, gallavanting up and down the airways."

Everyone laughed at me adoringly, excusing my declarations as temporary giddiness of childhood indiscretions.

As time passed on, the thought of being a Flight attendant dwindled. I told Granny that I wanted to be my First Form Teacher, Ms.Romsie.

She was artsy, elegant and had flair, even while teaching her History lessons. I clung to everyword she said as if she was interpreting for God himself.Granny was not surprised at my idea of wanting to be a Teacher, because from I was very little the older boys on the cul-de-sac often called me a school marm because I was always reading and telling them what to do. So, Granny's mind felt more at ease with my thoughts of wanting to pursue a career in Education. Time passed, and as I became more exposed to various subjects in school, and Granny and I began to have heated debates on Politics, Ideologies and Philosophy, she suggested that I become a Lawyer.

Granny Gheets ranted, "You can be so loquacious sometimes, when you hang on to an idea, by the time you are finished you have everyone thinking the same idea, primarily because you have exhausted the living daylights out of them."

Granny's interjection made me think about pursuing a Legal career. Studying and learning about the law was fulfilling but as every Scorpion knows there are always mountains to climb, and greater heights to seek. Whenever I saw Granny, she would endearingly joke, "So what profession are we contemplating today?" I would coyly respond, "Well, I am thinking about being a Dietician, however, the Financial Industry looks good too."

As Granny got older, she cared less if your career was prestigious or put you on the social map. All Granny really cared about was, "Are you happy and are they treating you properly?"

Granny Gheeta often reminded, "Money is not everything. It may pay the bills and give you a comfortable life, but at the end of the day, can you like yourself when you look in the mirror and do you feel good about what you are doing?"

The illusion of Wall Street causes many people to believe their own publicity, however at the end of the day, it is all just hype.

The smart ones gain their experience and move on to greener pastures, while the hustlers stay for the last dance, and some, usually end up like Bernie Madoff. After my stint on Wall Street, I began to ask myself, "What's it all about Alfie?"

Except, I was posing my questions of uncertainty to my Granny, and she explained it best. She said, "When a person is young, they need to explore all their career options, before settling on a career they want to do for the rest of their lives." She even elaborated by affirming how important it was to think outside of the box. "Sometimes doing a few things that bring us joy, oftentimes, lead us to the path of our true calling."

The most lovable quality Granny possesed was her spirit of encouragement, she always urged her grandchildren to follow their dreams wherever they lead.

Granny Gheeta would say, "It is better to follow a dream, and then be disappointed, than to never even dare to dream. If your dreams are really lofty, then you know that you may end up somewhere in the clouds. But if your dreams are puny without a dab of ridiculousness, then you are only going to end up in the macca bush. Then where will you be? Down and out in Constant Spring!"

In my life, I must admit, I have dared to dream and explored most of my possibilities, sometimes being the Jill of all trades, but I have found that dreams rarely hatch until God is ready. Only then, will the flood gates of blessings open, and we begin to realize our true potential and dharma.

Granny Gheeta told me on many occasions that dreams were like ackee, "If they don't ripen or mature properly, they can kill you."

How many times have we seen people get overtaken by their dreams and desires? The very things that they worked hard and wished for, were the very elements that ended up ruining their lives......

I believe like children we should dream BIG and dream often, because it is our imagination that gives us hope to carry on each day.

Tags: Granny & I Talk about Following Dreams