My dream died, now what? | Lynette Lewis | TEDxRaleigh

Have you ever had a dream you were certain would happen, only to watch it die, or slowly fade amidst competing priorities? Lynette Lewis shares two powerful choices that will work for anyone, choices that helped her endure 9/11, infertility, the agonizing death of a son, and waiting 20 years to see a dream realized. The surprise ending of this talk brings the audience to their feet.

Amidst great loss, Lynette Lewis has learned how to live with relentless hope and joy. She has been teaching the art of connecting daily work with bigger dreams for over 30 years as a corporate executive, author, and speaker navigating the complex worlds of higher education, Wall Street, and motherhood with six kids.

Her blog “The Daily Dream,” along with her books, “Climbing the Ladder in Stilettos,” and “Remember the Roses — How to Hold Out, Hang On, and Marry the Man of Your Dreams,” have earned her platforms and influence around the world.

[themanwhocouldnotsleep]

The biggest obstacle I've encountered every time I tried to make a dream come true is time. Because it doesn't go back, I can't fix the past. People say "if you fail, try again and learn from your mistakes", but they forget about time, our life span is too short, our resources are limited, and our health is so fragile, we don't have countless opportunities to try again and again. And the saddest part is, a lot of people don't even have a single chance, for many reasons.

[helenkinson]

When one dream is on hold, go live another love this so much! Thank you for sharing your story!

[monroemann]

Misleading title. Your dream died but then came true. Not helpful for those whose dream has died and cannot be revived... Consider renaming the title.

[rosacriscitiello]

There's no dream in life bigger than life itself. Thanks for the huge gift of telling us your story.

[wendylcs]

oh Lynette what a story, I would that everyone have such a happy ending.
I am in tears. I've wasted a lot of years and was worrying about my dream today.
I am so glad I watched this. You've sent me hope at a perfect time. Look at you -- If you can become a mother of twins at age 52 then I can have my dream too. I'm 48 and after 20 years of being a stay-home mom I am going to Police Academy for a career as an LEO.

[LongLostYellowRanger]

I'm in tears! I've been feeling as though my dreams are dying, when it's just not time for them to manifest yet. I've been waiting on this dream since my early twenties but I've struggled with health issues since the age of 24 years old. I'm just now on the path to getting my liver and gastric system on the road to recovery. Thank you so much for this video!

[veryangrypigeon]

Bad things happen to good people. Whenever something unfair happens I always think "well, life IS unfair" and it helps me let go of bitterness. In life you never get points for trying hard or being good. You might still get a debilitating illness or die. Some people will succeed while others won't because life is fundamentally unfair. A survival of not only the fittest but also the luckiest.

[MMijdus]

Astonishing what some people have to endure in life. And what a lovely woman! I am glad she is happy now.

[martinwent]

I came here to find encouragement and some hope for regaining meaning in life. Since I was 13 I have been spending my free time with go karts and sim racers to learn how to drive, seeing as my biggest dream was to own a japanese car. I have been saving up since 2020 to have enough by my 18th birthday, but just recently I was informed that my eye condition wouldn't allow me to get a driver's license. I'm still heartbroken, seeking new meaning in life and a new dream, but so far all I could think about was how empty and boring my life will be. I discovered this video now when I'm at my lowest and I'm impressed with your ted talk, really gave me a lil hope.

[katfitness]

I've never watched a TEDtalk that I enjoyed or found helpful...until now. Thank you.

[christianalynnk]

Inspiring! "Choose HOPE, and DREAM again!"

[hargwaynegegziabhre]

Wow! Keep upon living & hoping! Thank you for sharing your story. I am so sorry about your son

[antimczenko]

She looks like Lynette from "Desperate Houswives", really

[crocus]

I can't believe such a beautiful, smart and good-hearted woman did not meet a right man untill she was 42. So happy for her! Even if she hadn't become her daughters, she got 4 step-sons and a loving husband, and this is great enough.

[eileenshiff]

Cassandra, you have touched me deeply! I am in awe that you were able to speak about such an emotional topic without breaking down. What an informative, inspirational talk! Your children as so fortunate to have you for a mother!

[FigFirearms]

My dream was all I had, after nothing else, and no one else, that's what I thought I'd never be without and now here I am.

[natalianatalia]

Thank you for this . I keep my dream to have children. Everyone on infertility path, have hope.

[trinidadm]

I dream some day, someone will read my book and find it worthy of turning it into a movie.

[sandeepkapadia]

Wonderful, Heart touching.... She never lost Hope! What a Wonderful Soul She is... God Bless Her

[jekka]

Your daughters names are remarkable!!! Blessings to your whole family!!