December 4 (60)

”If you can dream it, you can do it.” Walt Disney

In my recovery I have finally been able to make a clear distinction between dreams and fantasies. The closest comparison I can make is between needs and wants. Dreams are about needs, about those basic things I require for a happy, healthy life. That means dreaming about love, financial stability, a good job, a secure relationship, travel – all these fall into the category of meeting a need. My fantasies are tied more closely to my wants and desires, usually in an attempt to find something outside of myself to make me feel better. Fantasies, as I am coming to comprehend them, are not meant to be realized. For it is when I take steps to bring a fantasy to fruition that I get into trouble. This is a sure sign of me trying to run my life my way and not being content with everything which has already been provided. I still think both have a place in my life. Dreams help me to set goals, to put realistic checkpoints in my future, to provide things for me to hope for and to aspire to achieve. Fantasies are a distraction, and should be treated more like entertainment, with the realization that I have to turn off the TV at some point in order to join and experience the real world around me.

Affirmation I will take back control over the subconscious thoughts that run through my head, and use them better to promote healthy thinking and goal-setting.