The genesis of "Dear John" letters can be traced to World War II.
They usually began, "Dear John, I have found someone else whom I think the world of. I think the only way out is for us to get a divorce."
These letters, which broke the hearts and dreams of our servicemen and women, soon became known as "Dear Johns."
I developed this lesson to provide a different type of "Dear John" letter.
It's a private note from your hopes and dreams, and it speaks loudly through your subconscious.
The purpose is to provide an outlet, a voice for all of those hopes, dreams, desires, and goals that you've neglected.
If your goals, hopes, and dreams could talk, what would they say about your performance?
Let's hope that they wouldn't write you the following letter, especially on 12/31/11.
Dear John, (insert your name here)
You probably already know what this letter is about. You've seen it coming; I know you have. It's about us, John. It's over. I'm leaving you!
I've hung on as long as I could. You've got to give me credit for that. I mean, the way you swept me off my feet and talked lovingly about the future we would have together.
I have waited so long for your embrace, your attention, and your love.
Why have you neglected me? Why have you made so many excuses?
Your inaction and addiction to procrastination is tearing me apart. I simply must move on!
For years, I would get so excited every time you talked about the business we were going to start, the places we were going to visit, and the home on the water where we could watch the sun set every night.
My heart would pitter-patter every time you talked about me to other people, only to be let down once again because you were afraid.
John, what are you afraid of?
It's only me! I am your hopes, dreams, and goals.
I wanted you as much as you wanted me, but you have left me no choice.
I simply must move on!
Please do not attempt to talk your way out of this.
The years of indecision and lack of discipline tell me everything I need to know. If you really-and I mean REALLY-wanted me, you would have found a way for us to be together.
I am tired of having my hopes soar so high just to just to see them dashed.
I simply must move on!
Time is marching by without us, and my greatest fear is suddenly becoming visible on the horizon.
I am so afraid that we could come to the end of our lifetime and never have the chance to really know one another. It breaks my heart to even entertain this thought, but I simply must move on!
Like the Genie that grants three wishes, I wanted to give you your heart's desire.
All I wanted, needed, and asked for was your attention, your devotion, and your willingness to work hard for me. If that was too much to ask for, then I'm sorry.
I simply must move on!
All things of value must be earned, and I've grown tired of your excuses and lack of patience.
On numerous occasions, I was within your grasp, but you quit too soon. Why did you leave me when you were so close?
I'll let you in on a little secret. Every day I would call out to you, "I am your goal, here I am, come and get me!" I'm curious. Did you ever hear me?
I repeated this question day after day, month after month, and year after year.
But now, I've grown tired of hearing that the timing is not right, that you're tired, or that someday you'll get around to it.
It's now time that I get around to it myself and find someone who is committed, focused, and proactive.
I simply must move on!
On behalf of all of your hopes, dreams, and desires, there is something you should know about us.
We will never fail you, nor will we ever let you down.
The main reason why we have not embraced one another is that you have failed us by not taking action! Why?
Sincerely,
Your Goals, Hopes, and Dreams
Granted, we rarely get that kind of feedback when we slack off on our efforts to achieve. But almost all of us have heard that small voice calling to us, "I am your goal, here I am, come and get me!"
