11:11

Do you make a wish at 11:11? I do.

I have a friend who will subtly step in front of the clock when 11:10 rolls around, hoping I won’t notice the time. When, a minute later, I crane my neck around his body he’ll glare at me. “What are you, superstitious?” No. I’m rational and I’m practical.

I love asking friends what they’d do if all of the traditional obstacles were taken out of the way. If they were unshackled from the limitations of money, time, or lack of connections. It says so much about them. It shows me how I could support them. It gives them a moment to consider the course of life they’re currently on.

11:11 is the same for me. It’s a minute that, despite being identical to the other 1439 minutes in a typical day, every now and again reminds me to dream. To dream about inventions or adventures or friendships so I don’t lose sight of what I really desire.

You know the rule: You can’t tell anyone your wish, or it won’t come true. Fair. But the reality is, you can’t tell anyone your wish so that you’re not afraid to wish for things so extravagant you’re afraid to tell anyone about. I don’t just have to consider serious business ideas, but I can also wish about that girl who’s way out of my league, or wild success of a pet project. I’ll dream now and wait till I’m ready to publicize these things.

So here’s to wishing. Another friend would take her phone out of 24 hour time for one minute every evening so she could see 11:11. Maybe that’s a bit extreme, but one way or another, I’m for a world where people dream.