Then, somewhere around our 40's, we telling our children that they can be anything and do anything they want. But somewhere around encouraging them to pursue their dreams, we realize we haven't fulfilled our own. In short, we haven't scratched the itch.

And it usually happens when we're laid off. With our identities tied up for so long in what we do and why we do it, it's not surprising that many of us are left wondering who we are when we're laid off.

Many come to this point without knowing what their dreams are. After all, we've been so focused on providing for our families that we don't know who we are outside of "breadwinner." Of course, that's partially because the hopes, dreams and goals we had as children and young adults may not be what we dream about today.

But we owe it to ourselves to pursue our dreams - whatever they may be. And, if unsure what our dreams are, we owe it to ourselves to find out. We owe it to ourselves to scratch that itch.

Why?

Regret is a bitter pill. We all know "That Guy." You know who I mean - everyone knows "That Guy." He's underachieved during his life, despite having the talents, skills and opportunities in his youth. He talks about his glory days and is bitter about the hand life dealt him. When asked why he doesn't do something about it now, "That Guy" will usually say that it's too late to scratch that itch. The fact is, it's never too late to find yourself and pursue your dreams. Don't be "That Guy."

Sense of accomplishment. Accomplishments and regrets are very much like playing "paper, rocks and scissors." Regrets can defeat some accomplishments, but the reverse is true, too. If you've kicked yourself for not doing something, then you should take action now to scratch your itch. A sense of accomplishment can wipe out the regrets you may have had for not going after your dreams.

Good example to our children. Children usually learn from the examples they're given. If we want our kids to go to college because we never did, then they will have far more incentive to get a degree if we get one, too. If we encourage our kids to follow their dreams but we don't scratch our own itch, they will be less likely to follow our advice - and their own dreams.

IN THE CARAVAN: Scratch your itch to avoid regrets, realize your dreams and set an example for your children.