What Did You Want to Be When You Grew Up? Reclaiming the Dreams We Left Behind

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An astronaut? A ballerina? A firefighter? A writer? Maybe a teacher, a rock star, a veterinarian, or someone who could simply change the world.

It’s funny how, when we’re little, the world feels so open. Limitless. Boundless. Our dreams didn’t need logic or permission. They lived in their own sacred space, rooted in our joy, curiosity, and wonder. We didn’t worry about bills or deadlines. We just knew what lit us up inside.

And then… life happened.

Somewhere between homework and heartbreak, taxes and traffic, we traded those starry-eyed visions for something more “realistic.” We grew up, or at least that’s what we were told we had to do. We learned how to be responsible. Sensible. Practical. We followed the script: go to school, get a job, pay the bills, and survive.

But here’s the thing.

Just because you grew up doesn’t mean your dreams have to die.

And even if you buried them long ago, they’re still there, whispering beneath the surface, waiting for you to listen.

Childhood Dreams Were Clues, Not Fantasies

That version of you—the one who daydreamed about building rocket ships or writing stories about dragons—wasn’t naive. They were intuitive. They knew what made your soul feel alive. Your childhood dreams were breadcrumbs leading you back to your most authentic self.

So what did you want to be when you grew up?

Take a moment. Think about it.

Not what your parents or teachers wanted you to be. Not what seemed impressive or “good on paper.” But what you truly wanted.

What lit up your imagination? What did you pretend to be when no one was watching?

Now, ask yourself this: Do any parts of that dream still call to you?

If the answer is yes—even if it feels impossible or silly or too late—this post is your permission slip to begin again.

Why We Abandon Our Dreams

Before we can reclaim our dreams, it’s important to understand why we left them behind in the first place. For most of us, it wasn’t out of laziness or lack of ambition. It was survival. It was fear. It was conditioning.

Here are some common reasons we give up on our childhood dreams:

• Fear of failure: We were told it was too risky, and we believed them.

• Lack of support: No one around us saw the value in our dream, so we stopped believing in it too.

• Financial pressure: We needed stability, not inspiration.

• Shame or ridicule: We were laughed at or criticized for wanting more.

• Cultural or familial expectations: We were pushed into paths that weren’t ours to walk.

These aren’t excuses. They’re realities. And it’s okay to grieve the paths you didn’t get to take.

But also know this: You’re still allowed to take them now.

It’s Never Too Late (No, Really)

There’s a myth that dreams have an expiration date. That if you didn’t make it by 25, 30, or 40, you’re done.

That’s a lie.

Many people don’t even begin to explore their real passions until midlife or later. Vera Wang didn’t design her first dress until she was 40. Colonel Sanders franchised KFC at 62. Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first “Little House” book at 65.

And you? You’re right on time.

Whether you want to paint, act, start a business, write a book, move to a new country, or learn how to dance—you can.

From Nostalgia to Action: Reclaiming Your Dream

Let’s talk about how to actually reconnect with your dream and make it real. This isn’t about chasing fame or quitting your job tomorrow. It’s about integrating your dream into your life—step by step.

1. Identify the Essence of Your Childhood Dream

Sometimes our childhood dream wasn’t about the literal job—it was about the feeling that job gave us.

Maybe you wanted to be an astronaut, not because of space itself, but because you craved discovery and wonder. Maybe you wanted to be a teacher because you loved helping others learn. Or a performer because you wanted to express yourself and be seen.

Get curious about the deeper “why” behind your dream.

Prompt: What did that dream represent to you? What feeling did it give you?

2. Reconnect with Your Inner Child

This may sound cliché, but it’s powerful.

Revisit old journals, drawings, or photos from when you were younger. What themes show up? What did you talk about endlessly? What books did you check out from the library over and over?

Your inner child holds the map. Let them guide you.

Try this: Write a letter to your younger self and ask them, “What do you want me to remember?” Then let them answer.

3. Start Small, But Start Now

You don’t need to uproot your life to honor your dream. You just need to begin.

• Want to be a writer? Start journaling or blogging.

• Always wanted to act? Take a local improv class.

• Dreamed of being an artist? Buy some supplies and play.

Don’t worry about being “good.” Just create. Create for the joy of it. Skill comes with time. Fulfillment comes from action.

Remember: Starting small is not the same as thinking small. Small steps are how dreams become real.

4. Build a Dream-Friendly Environment

Surround yourself with people and spaces that support your dream. This may mean:

• Following creators who inspire you.

• Joining a community or group aligned with your goal.

• Setting boundaries with people who diminish your ambitions.

Your dream needs soil that nourishes it—not chokes it out.

5. Make Time Like It Matters (Because It Does)

We often say, “I don’t have time.” But really, we mean, “It’s not a priority.”

If your dream matters, you must treat it like it does. That means carving out time—even 15 minutes a day—and protecting it.

Schedule it. Honor it. Don’t wait for motivation—build momentum instead.

6. Redefine Success

You might never become a world-famous chef or win a Grammy—and that’s okay.

Your dream doesn’t need to pay your bills or bring you accolades to be worthy. It just needs to bring you home to yourself.

Let go of perfection. Let go of the outcome. Let joy and authenticity be your compass.

7. Be Gentle With Yourself

Healing the gap between who you are and who you once hoped to be is tender work. You may feel grief, regret, or insecurity. That’s normal.

But you are not behind. You are brave for even considering a new path. You are brave for wanting more.

Your dreams don’t make you childish. They make you alive.

Final Thoughts: You’re Allowed to Dream Again

Here’s what I believe:

Your childhood dreams weren’t random. They were sacred. And even if life pulled you in another direction, you can still choose to listen to that inner voice today.

Because you’re not too old. It’s not too late. And you don’t need anyone’s permission to want more from your life.

What you wanted to be when you grew up may not be exactly who you are now. But the essence of that dream still lives in you. And you can carry it forward—one small, bold, beautiful step at a time.

So, here’s your gentle invitation:

Revisit the dream.

Dust it off.

Hold it close.

Then, do one thing—just one—to bring it back to life.

You owe that much to the kid you used to be.

And you owe even more to the adult you’re still becoming.

Call to Action:

What did you want to be when you grew up? Comment below or journal about it. Then tell me—what’s one small thing you can do this week to honor that dream?

Let’s stop surviving and start remembering who we really are.

✨ You’ve got this.