By : Ali Syarief
During a gathering, my friend Natalie asked, “What is your dream, Ali-san?” I answered, “I no longer have dreams or ambitions. I just enjoy my life, every minute of it, striving to remain happy.” This response was not just a statement, but a reflection of my inner journey in understanding the essence of life.
Such a statement might seem unusual in a world that glorifies ambition and achievement. From a young age, we are taught that having dreams is the essence of existence. We are encouraged to chase aspirations, set targets, and work tirelessly to attain what we believe will bring happiness. However, for me, it is precisely when a dream crosses my mind that I begin to feel stress—the pressure to realize it becomes overwhelming. If that dream remains unfulfilled, disappointment creeps in and disrupts my inner peace.
Now, I choose to live without dreams. This does not mean I have lost direction or enthusiasm for life, but rather that I allow life to unfold as it is. I write, imagine, watch Mongolian films rich in cultural reflection, attend Mongolian concerts that awaken my spirit, engage in conversations with friends, eat, drink, and savor each moment with full awareness. My happiness is no longer tied to future achievements but is instead found in the simplicity of everyday life.
As a Japanese proverb says, “一期一会 (Ichigo Ichie)”—each encounter happens only once in a lifetime. This philosophy teaches us to cherish every moment we experience, as no two instances will ever be exactly the same. To live with full awareness, unbound by dreams or an uncertain future, is my way of truly living.
Living without dreams does not mean losing hope; rather, it means freeing oneself from the burdens of expectation. I do not wait for happiness to arrive once I achieve something, instead, I find it in the present moment. I choose not to be trapped by unattainable desires but to appreciate what is before me now.
Ultimately, everyone has their own way of finding meaning in life. Some find joy in pursuing dreams, while others prefer to live without the pressures of the future. I choose the latter—to live without dreams, yet with full awareness, patiently awaiting the day I will leave this world. Not with sadness, but with sincere acceptance and profound tranquility.
Japan 22/05-2025
