Some people dismiss dreams as nonsense, thought patterns running amuck as we sleep because we are not conscious and in a position to control them.

Others believe that a dream is meant to serve a purpose and provide information that our conscious mind is unable to recognize.

Because so many believe that dreams are meant to serve and guide, numerous books, websites, workshops, etc. have been created on the very subject of dream interpretation.

Although I have had some dreams that made no sense whatsoever, and I wouldnt even try to look for a message in them, I have had many insightful dreams that have guided my life profoundly.

Dreams may just be another vehicle through which our intuition speaks to us. I believe that although not all dreams can be analyzed and scrutinized to the point of clearly revealing a message, they should not be written off as mere hooey either.

By acting on the feeling a dream gave me, I was able to create a positive impact in the life of another. Here is my story.

Throughout grade school, I had a best friend. After entering college, our paths separated as we pursued our individual goals.

We crossed paths every once in a while in the twenty years following high school, but encounters were few and far between.

About a year ago, I dreamt about my long lost friend. The dream really carried no meaning for me and I dismissed it as my mind recycling old memories.

A couple of nights later, I dreamt of her again. Gee, thats odd, I thought, to dream of her twice in one week.

A few days later I had a third dream about her and in this one I sensed she was lost, unhappy, and confused.

I could see that she was pulling away from her husband and looking for something or someone outside of her marriage.

I felt compelled to contact her and one evening, decided to call.

We enjoyed 20 minutes of general chitchat and excitement over how nice it was to connect after so many years.

She expressed that life was good and all was well.

I told her I was glad for her and then shared that I had a series of dreams about her that caused concern and I wanted to make sure she was okay.

Immediately after sharing the purpose of my call, she paused. Then she told me the truth.

She had left her husband after being trapped in a bad marriage for 17 years, and was afraid and unequipped to create a life for herself and her two children.

I offered my help and told her I believed I had dreamed of her for a reason.

I promised her 12 weeks of my undivided support and attention if she agreed to believe in herself and commit to doing what was necessary to create a better life for herself and her children.

The following three months were incredible. She put her heart and soul into making things happen. Although terribly shy all of her life, she worked on increasing her confidence and stepped out of her comfort zone to make contacts, follow leads, and ask for help. She pushed herself beyond her perceived limits.

By the time our 12 weeks were over, she had purchased a new home, accepted many gifts offered by good Samaritans, found a vehicle that worked and had a newfound belief in her own power and potential.

She would have experienced a completely different series of events and outcomes if I had never acted on my dream and made contact with her.

I also grew as a person because of our partnership. I reinforced my conviction in the power of the human spirit and potential.

The next time you have a dream, dont be so quick to dismiss it. Some dreams lead nowhere, thats true. We cant chase every one.

Believe though that dreams can open the door to great opportunities and can be the gateway to wonderful experiences we may not have otherwise discovered.