Reignite Your Childhood Dreams Through Your Core Values
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? What were your childhood dreams?
Maybe you dreamed of becoming an astronaut, a veterinarian, a musician, or even a superhero.
For me? I had a few big dreams, but two that stuck with me the most were becoming a professional athlete… and scoring music for movies.
As a kid, I was fascinated by the way music could shift your entire emotional experience. I’d be watching a movie, and suddenly a single sound or song would give me chills. It made me feel something deeper. I thought, That’s it. That’s what I want to do—create soundtracks that move people.
But like most kids, I thought that dream was “cool,” not “practical.”
So, I followed the path that seemed more doable at the time: sports. I played lacrosse in college, and for a while, I thought I might play professionally. But being a pro lacrosse player, at least back then, wasn’t exactly sustainable.
However, I was always the one who put playlists together for house parties, road trips and even workshops. I always received positive feedback, with people asking who created the playlist and if they could obtain a copy.
At one point, MaryBeth encouraged me to take a class on scoring music for cinema, but it felt like that was not a practically good use of my energy.
And just like that, I let those dreams fade.
I got older. Took on responsibilities. Built a career. And somewhere along the way, those old creative sparks turned to embers, just glowing faintly in the background.
But then something unexpected happened.
When MaryBeth got a download that she wanted to record 365, two-to-three-minute guided meditations, she wanted them to be different from anything she’d created before. She wanted them produced with background music that felt intentional, grounded, and enhanced the listeners’ experience. A major upgrade from all her previous tracks, which were just her voice.
She said, “I know you always wanted to score music for movies. What if you did that for my guided meditations?”
And that’s when it hit me… I actually could do that!
It was like the little boy in me was finally taken to the playground and told to go for it! Have all the fun I wanted, nothing holding me back.
I started experimenting—creating soundscapes, layering music and subtle effects, matching the mood and energy of her words. I felt like a little kid again, totally immersed in the creative process where time just fades away. Not performative, not for perfection, but for joy.
And I created a new baseline for “success.” The track was only complete when at least one tear fell from my eye after listening. An authentic movement of energy and emotion.
I want these tracks to move people, so I had to be moved first, just like with a powerful soundtrack to a movie.
And the best part? It activated my core values.
- ✨ Curiosity
- ✨ Purpose
- ✨ Imagination
- ✨ Creativity
- ✨ Collaboration
I didn’t have to go back to school or make a grand career change. I just started doing the thing I used to dream about—one small step at a time. It turned into one of the most meaningful things I do today.
And you can have that too when you remember who you were excited to be before the world told you who you should be. You can find ways to activate that part of you again.
What Childhood Dreams Are Still Waiting for You?
Just because you didn’t “become” that thing you dreamed about as a kid… doesn’t mean that dream isn’t still alive in you.
In fact, revisiting those childhood passions might be the very thing your adult self needs to feel more energized, fulfilled, and aligned. I’m not talking about overhauling your career or life (unless you want to).
I’m talking about remembering what lit you up—and exploring how those sparks connect to your values today.
Here’s how to begin.
🔍Step 1: Look Back to Move Forward
Think back:
- What did you love to do as a kid?
- What did you daydream about becoming?
- What role or career felt exciting to you?
Write down a few memories.
💞 Step 2: Reconnect with Your Core Values
Then ask yourself:
What did that dream represent? What core value was it activating in me?
Maybe you wanted to be a teacher because you value Connection and Impact. Or a dancer because you value Expression and Freedom. Or a detective because you value Curiosity and Truth.
The role may have changed, but the core value underneath is still alive.
Your core values are your intrinsic motivators —what makes you feel lit up.
If you’re not sure where to start, take our free Core Values Quiz. It’s quick and revealing.
Once you know your core values, you’ll begin to see how those childhood dreams weren’t random.
They were expressions of what mattered to you even then.
👣Step 3: Take One Small Action
Here’s where the magic happens.
Once you identify a childhood dream and connect it to your current values, ask yourself:
👉 What’s one small way I might activate that part of me today?
For me, producing music for meditations isn’t the same as soundtracking a Hollywood blockbuster—but it feels just as meaningful. It taps into the essence of that childhood dream and lets me live it in a way that supports who I am now.
For you, it might be:
- Taking a pottery class
- Writing a poem and sharing it
- Coaching your kid’s soccer team
- Starting a side project
- Picking up your guitar again
- Rewatching a childhood favorite and noticing what it brings up
You don’t need to monetize it or be perfect at it.
You just need to do it.
Let The DailySpark Support Your Childhood Dreams
If you want help reconnecting with your values, building a mindful practice, and carving out consistent space for yourself each day, this is for you.
Want 365 days of feeling the embers in your life reignite? Join us on this new quest for 2-3 minutes of well-being and reconnection to your values, so every day is intentional with The DailySpark.
It’s the same platform where I now get to bring my childhood dream full circle—by creating the soundtrack that supports your well-being by bringing the meditations to life. 💛
Each day, you’ll receive a short guided meditation, affirmation, and reflection prompt designed to help you feel more grounded, intentional, and aligned with what matters most to you.
✨ Because sometimes, all it takes is a few mindful minutes to remember who you are.
Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee, commuting to work, or unwinding at night, The DailySpark meets you where you are.
You don’t need to carve out more time in your day to live your values. You just need a spark.
🎧 Join The DailySpark Here
Let this be your invitation to start again—not from scratch, but from truth.
You don’t need to be a kid to dream again. You just need to listen to the parts of yourself that have been patiently waiting.
Here’s to turning childhood dreams into everyday joy—
One spark at a time.
P.S.
Here’s what people have been saying about the DailySpark…
- “Enjoy this meditation very much the words and the music were just what I needed” – Pam Z
- “Such a beautiful guided meditation! A great way to start the week. Adding this one to my favorites. Thank you, MaryBeth and James!” – Kim G
- “Loved this! Exactly what I needed to hear today. Enjoyed how short, simple, powerful it was & I can come back to daily.” – Alisha S
