Over the past month, my wife has had to rouse me from a deep slumber multiple times. Within minutes of falling asleep, nightmares have plagued me, even leading to a startled scream on one occasion. What the heck is happening in my subconscious?
The phenomenon of dreams and nightmares captivates me, particularly as my recurring dreams unfold in former workplace settings, often featuring apocalyptic scenarios with a spiritual twist. Battling monsters, ghosts, or demons becomes a common theme in these nocturnal adventures.
Numerous studies delve into the intricacies of dreams and their origins. Dreaming occurs in phases, with REM sleep being a well-known example. Recurring dreams, it appears, are linked to significant memories residing within our subconscious. Nightmares or night terrors, on the other hand, act as a mechanism to jolt us awake when our sleep ventures too deeply into a cycle.
The concept of dreams takes on another dimension in our culture, where it has been redefined to signify goals and aspirations. As someone who identifies as a lifelong realist, I've grappled with embracing dreams while dedicating my life to supporting the dreams of others as a business coach and consultant, a wife, and a mother.
In the spotlight of 2023, mental health discussions were heightened due to the isolation stemming from the pandemic. Having personally experienced loss and grief, I can attest to the transformative power of therapy and self-care. It seems that the isolation has unearthed buried traumas, manifesting in my current nightmares as my mind reaches into the depths of my subconscious during REM sleep.
I draw parallels between this mental mechanism and my lifelong inclination toward survival and self-protection. As one of six siblings, I fought for my desires, faced teasing, and often found myself blamed or excluded. This survival mentality persisted into my marriage and career until a pivotal moment in 2012 when I chose to divorce after a 14-year abusive relationship. Subsequently losing my job in 2014 forced me to confront a crossroads—live as a victim or embrace hope. I chose hope and began to dream, crafting an image of my ideal self.
As a realist, I acknowledge the necessity of dreaming and have embraced both hope and realism simultaneously. I've undergone a personal transformation by rewriting my narrative, opting for positivity over negativity, and reshaping self-defeating thoughts. Though challenges persist, I've taken control of my story, utilizing tools like meditation and therapy to reprogram my subconscious and envision a brighter future.
For those seeking to turn dreams into reality, I share a secret: optimal thoughts lead to positive actions, culminating in desired results. The journey may not be swift, but by altering your narrative, inspiring better actions, and adopting positive behaviors, you can achieve your desired outcomes.
Happy New Year! Here's to a hopeful 2024 and to making our dreams come true!
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