Fanta"sea"

fan·ta·sy

1: the power or process of creating especially unrealistic or improbable mental images in response to psychological need, an object of fantasy also : a mental image or a series of mental images (such as a daydream) so created.

Daydreamers unite! First, let me say that fantasies can be a good thing. But they can also be a very bad thing if we don't have a large dose of reality weaved in. The first thing to accept about a fantasy is that it isn't real. The majority of what we have read about in books; or swooned over in movies are fabricated lies that shape us to believe we can make these fantasies our reality. But we can't.

Accepting reality has been challenging for me on many occasions. Not just with relationships—but in other areas of life as well. A very dear friend of mine has been telling me for years that once we accept reality and learn to live with gratitude and zero expectations, that is when contentment comes. She was right...she usually is. ;)

Reality is hard, it's messy at times—and there are set backs along the way to contentment. But I promise if you look for it, you can find something good in every day. The truth is; even those that seem to be living the fantasy life you wish you had...are navigating their own share of struggles as well.

At the beach this summer, I was thinking back to how some of my fantasies have led me down paths that were ultimately destructive. I was putting pressure on myself and others to try and find contentment. As I was watched the waves roll in and go back out; I noticed how they were washing away all of the footprints in the sand, creating clear path. It hit me, that just like the sand on the beach, no matter what has caused a disruption in our lives can ultimately be washed away; leaving a smooth path for us to walk on. Acceptance of reality, forgiveness—and forgiving ourselves, can clear a path that is much easier to move forward on.

What fantasy is keeping you from enjoying your reality?

XO,

C