Imagination can be dangerous.
The Positive
A vivid imagination is essential for a writer.
I imagine people who don’t exist. And as I’ve mentioned in other blogs, I dream up their entire lives and put them through traumatic events. Through a compelling story, my goal is to show how they (and humans) overcome trauma and learn to thrive.
That’s a positive aspect of my imagination.
The Negative
But every character trait has an opposite side.
A healthy quest for excellence can turn into perfectionism. And a talent for organization and administration can switch to control freak mode.
When the negative side of my imagination runs wild, so does fear.
Changes at work mean I might lose my job. If I call a loved one and they don’t return my call in the time I think they should, it means something terrible has happened to them. Muscle aches could be caused by some dread disease instead of the fact I just spent five non-stop hours taking down and packing up Christmas decorations.
I could go on ad infinitum.
Slipping into the catastrophes that may or may not be waiting around the corner means I’ve consciously chosen to live in fear fantasies.
It also means:
— I’ve forgotten God provides for me. And He’s had a better job ready every time I’ve been included in “company reductions in force”.
— I don’t remember that God watches out for my loved ones. And no matter what happens, He’ll see them safely “home” in His time and way — whether it’s their current, temporary home or their eternal one.
— I shouldn’t try to do things I could do when I was 20, or 30, or 40. And I shouldn’t search the internet for dread diseases. A visit to the doctor when needed is why God provided physicians.
Whatever the circumstance, I need to stay on the positive side of my imagination.
How do I live in the positive?
Apply my vivid imagination to consistently and constantly converse with God and ask Him to direct my thinking.
What helps you keep your imagination on the positive side?
Imagination: The Conscious Decision To Live In Fantasy – What helps you keep your imagination positive? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
I enjoy your posts so much. You hit at the heart of what we all struggle with. I fear and worry about those same things and let my imagination run wild at times. You are so right. It is important to get back to trusting God for everything and stop worrying.
Thank you for sharing. Glad my words are helpful.
Great post, Joni. I have some of those same tendencies. Thanks for the reminder to trust God in all things.
Thanks for reading and sharing, Tim. I appreciate your support.