Wouldn’t It Be Nice
Sometimes, I don’t want to grow or learn. I just want to sit and stare at the ocean while my favorite foods magically appear. These moments can be unsettling. My mind starts judging, making me worry I’ve lost all my progress and will fall into a rut. But I have to catch myself and laugh; otherwise, those thoughts will spiral into darker ones.
Wanting to be on a beach and eat isn’t a reason to mentally beat myself up. It’s a sign I might actually want to go to the beach and eat. That’s not such a wild idea. It might be the right idea or just a passing thought.
Why not consider it? Maybe I go to the beach that day. Maybe it’s winter, and that’s not an option without a plane ride and passport. If the beach is available, it might be a good day to go. If not, I can tap into what I need beneath that thought. Maybe I just need a morning off in silence. I might splurge and order food (and pretend it magically appeared).
Thoughts like “I wish I was on the beach right now” used to affect me very negatively. My mind kept wishing to be somewhere else and refused to give me alternative plans. Now, I interpret these thoughts differently. I recognize them as a desire for a break or a change in routine, and I find ways to fulfill that need within my current circumstances. This shift in perspective helps me live a better, more grounded life, seeing more of what’s available and interpreting fantasies in a healthier way. It’s not always easy, but it’s way easier than it used to be.
ACTION: Next time you find yourself daydreaming about a different life, pause and consider what that fantasy is telling you. Is there a small, achievable step you can take right now to bring a piece of that dream into your reality? Whether it’s a walk in nature or a quiet moment with your favorite book, acknowledge and honor your desires in a practical way.
