National Dream Day
With unwavering determination and a spark of ambition, anyone can turn their deepest passions into a fulfilling reality.
The modern world is a place where dreams really can come true! Whether the dream is to become a person who travels all over the globe, who contributes to the education of children, who climbs a mountain or who is a great world leader, the idea for National Dream Day is that any of these aspirations and dreams should be pursued with perseverance.
History of National Dream Day
National Dream Day was established with the idea that people should be able to pursue their dreams and work to achieve their aspirations. This day is celebrated on the anniversary of the birth of Robert Muller, who was born in Belgium on this day in 1923. While experiencing the pain of World War II in Nazi occupied France as a youth, Muller was a member of the French Resistance and he developed strong convictions about peace in the world.
Truly a man who believed in making dreams and aspirations come true, Muller earned a doctorate degree in law and won an essay contest about how to govern the world. Through this, Muller gained an internship for the newly created United Nations where he served for 40 years and eventually became the Assistant Secretary General. Through his ideologies of a world that is more peaceful and loving, where people act and live better, Muller gained the unofficial title of “The Millennium Man”.
Although today’s world likely does not align with the peaceful pace that Muller dreamed of and was striving for, he worked hard to make a difference in the lives of the people he could help and had influence over. From working at the University of Peace to creating a World Core Curriculum, from helping to inspire a growing Global Education Movement to helping conceive of and develop the World Food Programme, Muller was as inspirational and aspirational as anyone. And he worked hard, collaborating with many others, to make these dreams into reality.
National Dream Day is celebrated in honor of Mr. Muller and all of the other role models of the world who have overcome the obstacles in front of them and dedicated their lives to making the world a better, more peaceful place.
National Dream Day Timeline
1776
The United States Constitution is drafted
The American dream is stated in the Declaration of Independence as “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”.[1]
1931
Epic of America is published
James Truslow Adams writes this best selling book which dreams of “a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone”.[2]
1963
“I Have a Dream” Speech
Martin Luther King Jr. makes his famous speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, describing his vision of America.[3]
1983
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) is released
The Eurythmics release this song in the US and the UK and it becomes super popular on the charts.
How to Celebrate National Dream Day
Pursuing dreams and living a great life is what National Dream Day is all about! Check out some of these ideas and plans for making dreams come true on this day:
Keep a Personal Dream List
Life can go by pretty fast and it can be easy to get caught up in the mundane and regular dailies that keep people from dreaming big dreams. National Dream Day is here to act as a reminder to spend some time thinking back and pondering over aspirations. Maybe there are some old goals and dreams that have been forgotten that could be brought back to life. Or perhaps there are some new ideas and imaginings that are ready to be attempted. Whatever the case, keeping a journal, diary or personal dream list and then reading over it from time to time is a great way to pay homage to this day and everything it represents.
Help Someone Else Live a Dream
Many have a wide range of different opportunities come their way to make their dreams come true, whether through perseverance, hard work or simply through luck. But other people live in places or have circumstances that keep them from getting the edge they need to make it in the world. This might be due to poverty, lack of educational opportunities, family difficulties, or discrimination based on race, gender or other factors. So, even just helping one person can make a massive difference in creating a better society and making dreams come true.
National Dream Day might be the perfect time for someone to “pay it forward” by helping another person to live out their dreams. Make a donation to a college scholarship fund to help someone else get the education they need. Or it might be a good time to sign up to be a volunteer tutor for local kids who need someone to help not only with their homework but to believe in them and provide inspiration. While this day is certainly about living out personal dreams, Muller also set the example of helping others to live out their dreams and making the world a better place!
Watch a Film About Dreams Coming True
Looking to get inspired in honor of National Dream Day? Have an amazing time celebrating by checking out a variety of different stories on film that bring dreams to life. Whether through fiction or biography, watching an uplifting film on this day can be a perfect reminder that it’s great to have aspirations and dreams.
Grab a couple of friends and get motivated by watching some of these films that celebrate the story of pursuing your dreams:
- Walt Before Mickey (2015). It’s hard to find a person on the planet who doesn’t recognize Mickey Mouse or dream of the Magic Kingdom. But the story of the man behind the mouse is a bit more gritty and determined, and this movie tells the background of Walt Disney and the challenges he faced to find success.
- Goal! The Dream Begins (2005). This British sports drama features the story of a young man who is working in a restaurant but aspires to be a professional soccer player. Made in cooperation with FIFA, the film is one of a trilogy that stars Kuno Becker.
- Bend It Like Beckham (2002). This sports drama film stars Kiera Knightley and Parminder Nagra as two young women soccer players, one of whom has to work the system and defy the traditions of her parents and her culture to play.
- Men of Honor (2000). Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert De Niro star in this film based on the true story of Carl Brashear, a military man who overcomes racism and the odds to become the first African American Navy Diver.
National Dream Day FAQs
What is the American dream?
The American dream was originally about the equal opportunity of all people in the country to be able to follow their highest goals and aspirations.[1]
Who are the dreamers?
Dreamers are individuals who were brought to the US prior to age 16 but do not have legal immigration status, many of whom received deferred action under Obama’s DACA.[2]
How has the American Dream changed?
The American Dream hasn’t changed much from its origins in 1931, but home ownership and education are now often included – as well as “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”[3]
What does it mean when you dream about someone?
Typically, dreams are a reflection of subconscious thoughts or feelings about someone and they can take on many different meanings.
Can dreams predict the future?
“Precognitive dreams” are not very common and many scientists believe that these dreams are coincidence, the brain’s response to stress or built on subconscious connections.[4]
