Full-time Lt. Watch Commander of the Ft. Belvoir Police Department, Duane Lowden, finds the time to protect America’s dream by day, while pursuing his dreams part-time.

Many Americans find themselves in similar situations, delaying or forsaking their passion in order to pay the bills.  And the ailing economy has added fuel to the fire as many dreams go up in smoke.

“With the obligations and bills and things that I have, I’m unable to just stop the police thing,” Lt. Lowden said.  “Right now I’m just buying my time.”

And “buying time” can sometimes be a lengthy and costly investment – one that many just can’t afford.  According to the National League of Cities (NLC), two-thirds of the American people feel as though they are not living the American dream of being financially stable and half believe it’s unattainable.

In fact, many have just stopped dreaming all together and wander through life without vision.  Stand-up comic Anita Wise once said, “I’m a little upset. I just found out I have to have this little procedure done. Nothing complicated, but they tell me it is going to improve my vision about 70 percent. But I’m a little nervous. I hate getting my bangs cut.”

That is a funny way of viewing obstructions that stand in the way of vision and purpose.  But is one truly living if not in pursuit of life’s real purpose?  Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist once said, “Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens.”

And whether you are looking outside to a dream deferred or have awakened to your inward passion, it’s the actions that follow that make the difference.  Lt. Lowden understands that it’s in the doing that he will grow closer to what he truly would like to do with his life.

For now, he’s doing everything he knows to do and is able to do: be a good father to his two boys; carry out the duties of his profession to serve and protect the American people; sing until his heart is content.

Steps To Following Your Dreams:

1.  Meditate and look inside your heart.  What are you passionate about?

2.  Write it down.  Create a vision board.

3.  Take a step in the direction of fulfilling your vision.  It can be a baby step, like researching what it would take to achieve your goals.

4.  Read about people who are doing what you would like to do.  Look at how they did it.

5.  Dedicate at least an hour a month to your vision.  Increase the time once it becomes available.

According to a poll conducted by the NLC 53% of African-Americans feel as though they are not living the American dream.  Thirty-six percent of Hispanics and 32% of Caucasians feel the same way.