What dreams would you pursue if money were no object?

Everyone has dreams - things they want to do and places they want to go. For some it is to climb the corporate ladder, for others it is to raise a family or maybe travel the world. We all have different dreams, but most of us have one thing in common - money. Ah yes, the almighty dollar that seems to control our wants and desires.

The other day I was thinking. Well, really I was daydreaming. Dreaming of all the things I wish I could do and the places I wish I could go. Then I remembered a promise that I made to Dylan a few years ago - to take him to Africa. Yes, way back when he wanted to visit Africa and see the animals he loves so much in their natural habitat.

What I wouldn't give to make this dream come true for both of us, but that little thing we call money keeps getting in the way. I have never been one to like the word no, so I will keep this dream alive, for me and for Dylan. One day we will make it to Africa.

Then I got to thinking. Yes, this time really thinking. What else would I do if money were no object? 

Five years ago I probably would have said buy a big house on the beach and spend my summers living in Maui. Today my answers are a little different - actually, a lot different! Maybe I have matured, or maybe I just see the bigger picture now. Maybe a little of both.

If money were no object I would:

• Buy a small home and live the simple life. 
• Volunteer my time teaching others about conservation.
• Give more than $25 a month to non-profit organizations that I believe in.
• Travel to Australia and see the Great Barrier Reef before it disappears forever.
• Give my son the best education possible so he can be whatever he wants to be.
• Travel to all the amazing zoos around the world.
• Spend time on the open ocean and see the whales and dolphins living free.
• Create a scholarship for college students studying the environment, zoology, and wildlife conservation.
• Travel to Africa.

Not once did I think about buying designer clothes, a fancy car, or a big home. When I asked my friends on Facebook what they would do if money were no object, I was pleasantly surprised by their answers. Volunteer more, fund projects that change the world, pro bono work, feed and clothe the homeless - none of which are selfish answers. Now I'm not saying there is anything wrong with wanting to buy a big house or designer clothes; it is just nice to know that other people see the bigger picture too.

What would you do if money were no object? 

Think about and make your own list. Then take that list and make it a to-do list or a bucket list. Turn your dreams into realities because nobody likes to hear the word No. 



Photo courtesy of zrim under the Creative Commons License.