All I Really Wanted series

‘A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes’ has become a universal anthem for the unstoppable Disney juggernaut. As many know, it was first written and composed by Mack David, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston for use in the 1950 film Cinderella. In the scene from the film, Cinderella is found laying in bed taking care of her hair while casually urging all of her animal friends to keep dreaming each day because “if you keep on believing that dream that you wish will come true.”

As she continues on, they gaze at her fully captivated with every lyric delivered of the gorgeous tune. Their hearts maybe starting to believe that wish fulfillment is ahead for possibly any desire that enters their cute little fur brains. At first glance one might find this hopeful scene touching. Downright encouraging. But another might ask, “Did any of those creatures ask her for this ridiculous advice? Doesn’t Cinderelly have her own problems to figure out instead of misguiding poor little Gus? Maybe his secret wish to become an Olympic gymnast might actually never happen?”

The All I Really Wanted series is a collection of creative nonfiction that offers reflections about Soda’s own dreams, wishes and yearnings over the course of his life. Spoiler alert: All of which never came true no matter how many days he spent believing. Eat that, Cinderelly. Intertwined with a bit of humor and heart each piece is written in honor of a song that has lyrically impacted him at these revelatory moments of this life.

Start reading and just stop believing.