Example: The property you bought on lake that turned out to be environmentally protected so you couldn't build on it; or your first spouse.

6. Were any of these dreams pure fantasy that you never meant to have happen?

Example: Marrying a count and living in France, which got you through college in Grinnell, Iowa.

7. Did having any of these dreams come true prove transitory and unsatisfying?

Example: Buying El Dorado with leather seats.

8. Did this dream come true in essence though not in particulars?

Example: You dreamt of being a chef and instead turned your culinary talents and love into some unparalleled dining engagements at your house which was entirely satisfying.

9. Which of these dreams turned out to be met and enjoyed?

Celebrate them!

10. What have your learned by going over this list?

Example: That many of dreams you no longer want or that some of them weren't really yours to begin with.

One of privileges of midlife is being able to change your dreams. Plant seeds for some new ones and watch them grow!

Because you're changing at midlife, it's a good time to take stock, weed out dreams that no longer suit you, and start planting seeds for new dreams.

One of best things you can do at this time of life is give yourself permission to dream different dreams and forget about old ones that did or didn't come true.