Summary:

The author describes a recurring dream where they find themselves on a hill, with an apple tree in the distance. They desperately try to reach the big, glowing apple on the tree but fail. Voices discourage them, saying they will never achieve it. Feeling defeated, they turn away and when they look back, all the apples are gone. They question if everyone is against them. Suddenly, they find themselves in a room full of people, being called for an award. However, instead of feeling happy, they feel judged by the stares of the crowd. They struggle to speak and wonder if everyone is against them.

Takeaways:

🍎 Don't let negativity discourage you from pursuing your goals.

🍎 Recognize that self-doubt may hinder your progress.

🍎 Surround yourself with supportive individuals who believe in you.

🍎 Even in challenging situations, believe in your ability to overcome obstacles.

🍎 Stay true to yourself and don't let the opinions of others diminish your accomplishments.

The Apple Tree Dream

Introduction

I have this recurring dream. I wake up on a hill, and the only thing I can see is this apple tree. So far up the apple tree, I see a big red glowing apple. I look around, and there is nothing for miles. It’s just silence.

Desperate Attempts

The apple is so far from me. It is way too high to reach. I stretch, and I stretch, and I stretch. But I still can’t reach it. I ask whoever is listening, "Please help me." No one thinks I can get it. It is way too far up the apple tree.

Voices of Discouragement

Suddenly voices keep telling me, "YOU WILL NEVER GET IT". No one is encouraging me. No one is helping me. I turn around and scream STOP! Now, it’s just... silence.

Missed Opportunity

I turn back to try again, but I see no more apples. It took me too long to make that decision. It is now gone. It’s just a naked tree. No more apples. So, I think to myself, "Is everyone against me?"

Surprising Twist

I turn around, and suddenly I am in a room full of 1,000 people. When I try to figure out where I am, I hear my name being called, but for an award. I have no idea what is going on, but I am happy, so happy that I feel like my feet will lift me off the ground to soar to the stage.

Overwhelming Judgment

But when I get on my feet, I no longer feel happiness; I feel judged. I feel judgment radiating off each person in the room. I look around and feel their stares at me. I get to the stage and realize how many people are counting on me to make the perfect speech. I try to speak, but no words can form in my mouth, it’s just silence.

Conclusion

I want the ground to swallow me up. No one in the room seems happy for me. So, I think to myself, is everyone against me?