Topic : Defining Your Authentic Self

I find the dreams with Dr. Phil and Oprah surprising because- unlike so many other dreams- they are always so vivid and at the time I'm having the dream SO real. In fact, just after I wake up from one of those dreams, I feel like picking up the phone to call my sister to say, "Guess who I just spoke with!" However, my sister is not a Dr. Phil or Oprah fan and yet I always wake up thinking about having spoken to someone we are both attached to. Later, when I return to read what I written about my dream I'm thinking! 'Good Lord! It's a DREAM, Brenda!' Later, I'm always embarrassed that I attached any kind of significance to it, I mean other than to examine what was going on in my psyche at the time, to produce the dream.

I always find them amusing. They are funny to me. Sometimes like even during the dream I am finding the WHOLE thing not just quite amusing but WAY over the top. Later, I'm embarassed that I even posted something like that!

I believe that our dreams can be signifcant for the things going on in our live. Depending on the dream, I believe that some dreams- like this one- may be there just for entertainment, amusement!

Brenda 

In my dream he was laughing a lot, "chuckling" may have been a more appropriate description, I mean in my dream he wasn't teen age girl giggling but he was laughing, A LOT! It was his kind of laugh.

Throughout my life I've had dreams where I'm at a social function, laughing and talking and I look down to see that I'm wearing a slip or my night shirt or some other completely inappropriate garb. Before I retired, my friends and co-workers would sit and chat about things like this. It was a couple of years into my friendship with one of the RN's, who was VERY amusing and QUITE creative. She had this amazing wit. Everyone adored her.(She was the one who came up with the idea for the refigerator stunt when Gandhi, Monica Lewinsky and Mother Therasa had food in the staff fridge, after we were done. And the guy who felt from the sky creating the eye for that massive bird drawn in the desert,  the one that you can only see fully from the sky.) Well, she and I had a long discussion about dreams and what they meant. I didn't even know that dreams like that could symbolize Deep-Seated Inseurity! I don't really know if I believe that. I do know that when I heard that, I reacted like someone had told me that I had an enormous Cock Roach crawling on my psyche!   LOL!

Oh, in writing this post I am just now recognizing that I've put you and Marcia in that spot in my heart when I keep all my feelings about good friends!

Brenda

I think you've hit the nail on the head. Instead of naming attitudes, thoughts, or actions/reactions, I choose to name MYSELF and whatever I'm experiencing. Interesting....

As for my son, he is a proud fast food worker for now. He decided to humble himself and take the first job offered, while still applying for other work and continue to check in with other places where he has applied. At the moment his highest priority is getting cash-flow. Besides, it's easier to get a job if you're already employed, just like it's easier to get credit if you're already in debt. Crazy, but that's the real world.

I had a token run-in with him this last week about the computer. He tried to convince me that looking for work was impossible without going on the internet to apply. When I shot down that statement, he amended it to using the computer because it was quicker and easier. I agreed that that was true, then suggested that he go to the local library like others that are computerless for whatever reason.

He didn't argue or try to make me feel like a draconian prison warden (like he used to), he dropped the subject and went down to the library.

It's amazing how easy this has become when hubby and I are on the same page. It's hard not to succumb to resentment about the fact that it's taken this long to accomplish, but that sort of negative thinking is a waste of time. I'm grateful that we are now travelling in parallel, and that it's WORKING.

Our son is becoming a man.

Marcia, keep a peaceful, happy state of mind and it will further your weight loss goals.

I've always known that stress causes me to not only be drawn towards sugary foods and starches, but it causes me to retain weight also.

I keep a weight record, weighing in once a week. I noticed that my weight spiked a couple of weeks ago while I was away from home (at the mercy of other's cooking), and worried about my friend's health after her heart attack and my son's homelessness. There was no internet connection or phone coverage there. I know it's a get-away for them, and I didn't want to keep using their phone to check up on people. it was very stressful. Anyway, I've lost 7lbs over the last 2 weeks just being home and knowing the ones I love are safe and sound again.

By the way, my son got a job last week. He is in much better spirits also.

I think you've hit the nail on the head. Instead of naming attitudes, thoughts, or actions/reactions, I choose to name MYSELF and whatever I'm experiencing. Interesting....

As for my son, he is a proud fast food worker for now. He decided to humble himself and take the first job offered, while still applying for other work and continue to check in with other places where he has applied. At the moment his highest priority is getting cash-flow. Besides, it's easier to get a job if you're already employed, just like it's easier to get credit if you're already in debt. Crazy, but that's the real world.

I had a token run-in with him this last week about the computer. He tried to convince me that looking for work was impossible without going on the internet to apply. When I shot down that statement, he amended it to using the computer because it was quicker and easier. I agreed that that was true, then suggested that he go to the local library like others that are computerless for whatever reason.

He didn't argue or try to make me feel like a draconian prison warden (like he used to), he dropped the subject and went down to the library.

It's amazing how easy this has become when hubby and I are on the same page. It's hard not to succumb to resentment about the fact that it's taken this long to accomplish, but that sort of negative thinking is a waste of time. I'm grateful that we are now travelling in parallel, and that it's WORKING.

Our son is becoming a man.

Sounds like your son IS growing right before your eyes!

That is FANTASTIC!

You spoke of not succumbing to resentment and the fact that it's taken so long. I know that this has been a VERY difficult time for you. I believe that watching that kid you love stumbling, making mistakes, has to be some of the most nerve-racking stress a mother undergoes! You already know the truth- he is going to continue to stumble and make mistakes e just probably won't need to do that on a steep mountain slope, again!

Brenda

He's at least taken the first steps necessary to claim responsibility for himself and his life.

I genuinely hope that he finds what he needs to move forward.

And, I'm really glad that the stress in your life has lightened!

How is your friend?

I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers!

Brenda