Sigmund Freud emphasized the importance of the unconscious mind, including our dreams… and a primary assumption of Freudian theory is that the unconscious mind governs behavior to a greater degree than people suspect.
So for all you amateur psychologists, analyze this:
I’m standing, waist deep, in the middle of a large pond or lake, with all my clothes on. And I think to myself, with elation: ” I could go skinny dipping!”
And I wake, with a quick start, heart palpitating, and hear a voice say:
“Just because you can, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.”
Ha! True story!
I’ve thought a lot about this dream and shared it with several colleagues. We decided that it may not be a literal interpretation about subconsciously wanting to go skinny dipping. Instead, it may be a reminder that there are areas of lives where “just because we can… doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.”
We started listing things where that concept applied – not saying we’ve ever done these things though!:
Texting and driving
Drinking a Frozen Caramel Coffee Coolatta – 990 calories, 47g fat, 130g sugar
Telling your boss what you really think
Going to a nude beach when you’re over age 40
Going to work when you’re really sick
Binge watching House of Cards
Staying in a job you hate because you make good money
Maxing out your credit cards.
I invite you to pause, reflect and discern if the choices you’re making are “because you can…” or are actually a good idea.
Are your choices aligned with what you want in life?
Think about your life on following levels: professional development, health and wellness, friends and family, financial stability, spiritual practices, and recreation and hobbies.
Are your thoughts, words and actions consistent with who you want to be? Are you being intentional about what you want?
Just remember: when you’re intentional and take ownership and accountability for your choices, life gets easier.
Marty Stanley, CSP, is a national speaker, author and consultant on personal and organizational change. 816-695-5453 martystanley@alteringoutcomes.com
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