Section 1.1: Dreams as Action Plans

One way to perceive dreams is as actionable plans, where the internal thoughts transform into tangible realities. For instance, consider an office employee who feels trapped in a monotonous job. Envisioning a life as a bartender in Bali, they work diligently, save enough, purchase a one-way ticket, and lease out their apartment. Before long, they find themselves living in Indonesia, just as they imagined.

In this scenario, dreams serve as a motivator, promising joy, alleviating stress, and rejuvenating the spirit. However, pursuing such dreams comes with its own challenges. If a dream is realized, a void is left, necessitating the birth of a new aspiration. Additionally, life on a tropical island may present unexpected hardships, from oppressive heat to logistical difficulties.

Yet, the thought of “At least I tried!” can help mitigate these discomforts.

If a dream remains unfulfilled, it can serve solely for internal psychological purposes. Some individuals may harbor resentment towards themselves for not achieving their dreams. This reaction can be attributed to the absence of tangible costs while still experiencing the joy of fantasizing about their desires: one can always replay the mental movie of their aspirations.

Moreover, these fantasies remain pristine and untouched by the mundane. In their mind, Bali remains an idyllic paradise, free from the burdens of reality—office life continues, and paychecks flow, seemingly without interruption.

Nevertheless, there are pitfalls here as well; one may grapple with feelings of unrealized happiness and a sense of cowardice for not pursuing their dreams. At least they’re not cleaning floors…

The intriguing aspects of such internal fantasies often revolve around idealized and sometimes forbidden objects. For the office worker, Bali represents a utopia devoid of societal pressures and competition, where they can simply exist and bask in the sun.

Conversely, the role of a bartender might carry an element of shame in their self-perception. Once intimidated by the idea of manual labor, they now fantasize about bartending in Bali or DJing in Goa. In this imaginative realm, they can embrace that identity without fear of judgment. Their parents can take solace in not raising a “janitor,” while the dreamer finds warmth in their aspirations.

Which approach is healthier or more appropriate? It's challenging to provide a definitive answer, as both strategies serve distinct purposes. However, it appears that the latter approach is increasingly favored in today's society, as many seek alternate realities to navigate life without experiencing pain. Such fantasies can act as an eco-friendly and economical coping mechanism.

On the other hand, those who dare to turn their dreams into reality exhibit a form of boldness, regardless of the perceptions attached to them. Meanwhile, those who refrain from action may rely on cunning strategies to justify their inaction.