Don't miss your chance to experience your dream Published Dec. 16, 2015 By Bryan Ripple 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Everyone has dreams. We dream about beautiful places, relaxing experiences, adventures, things we might accomplish and financial security. Of course we dream while we're asleep, but part of my leadership philosophy is that it is a healthy thing to consciously dream about (or visualize) achieving the goals we set for ourselves. On April 8, 2011, I almost lost my chance to realize the goals in my dreams. I suffered a heart attack with a 90-percent blockage in my left anterior descending artery. Fortunately for me, I was at my doctor's office when this happened and I received immediate life-saving care there and at the hospital where I received a stent placement to open the artery. I have had a couple doctors tell me I'm a lucky guy. I know it is true. I'm also very grateful. I've come to realize this near tragedy was a blessing in disguise. It was a second chance at my dreams - an opportunity many never receive. Like my own, some of our dreams intersect with our military or civilian service. Our dreams include things like gaining the next level of responsibility; becoming an NCO, senior NCO, a field grade or general officer; earning a commission; or working toward a desired specialty or the next level of higher education; or even marking off the days to retirement. These dreams motivate us, help us through tough times and make our lives exciting. During my career as a Public Affairs Specialist - both as a senior NCO and as a civilian--I have interacted with a lot of service members and civilians from across the Department of Defense. When I wore the Air Force uniform, seeing my Airmen achieve their own dreams, especially the younger Airmen who had just begun the journey of life and career was the greatest thing about being a military supervisor. They bring energy and a new diversity of thought. To many of them, the world was their canvas on which they could create and realize their dreams. Seeing someone achieve their dreams is amazing and is a testament to their resilience. Unfortunately, not all our dreams come true. Life is not fair, and not all of us get that promotion to the next level of responsibility, the job we interviewed for, or that relaxing retirement. Financial security eludes us as we work from paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes things beyond our control mean we have to dream of new things. One of the saddest things I have seen is the dreams never attempted. We get busy with the mundane, our minds wander, we are uncertain, we're afraid we might fail. We say it's too late. For whatever reason, we don't take the risk and attempt to accomplish our dreams. The most certain way to ensure our dreams are not realized is to not attempt them. Each of us, no matter our age or circumstances, still has dreams. Don't be the one to guarantee your dream never comes true. Clear away the distractions, focus and see yourself accomplishing your dream. Most of all, take action, take a risk, and take that first step. Don't miss your chance to experience your dream. As we approach the end of this year, it's a great chance for us to look back and appreciate the dreams we realized this year, but more importantly, which ones we want to experience next year. Don't be afraid to take the next step. Don't let YOU be the reason your dreams don't come true. We're not guaranteed that second chance.