My father used to say that my biggest problem in life was my Maggie Mason, his play on the word ‘imagination’. Anne of Green Gables was definitely my role model for an overactive imagination. I loved the way her mind worked and the antics that followed.
Lately, I’ve been wondering if an overactive imagination isn’t also related to anxiety. My mind can certainly conjure situations which a logical mind would stay away from. What ifs are not constructive, for sure. Fantasizing over outcomes is also not useful.
I think I need to focus on living with what is and saving my imagination for the creative process. Sounds like a good focus for the new year.
One Woman's Quest II 
It might also be helpful to fantasize about positive outcomes, not only negative ones. It’s something I need to learn.
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Good point. Yes, I tend not to think about the positives.
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That’s a really good point, VJ. You’ve given me something to think about for sure.
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😁💕
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I’m not sure where this comes from, but in past I’ve had a tendency to project in advance what can go wrong in some situations. Is it my years spent in customer service? Maybe. (Lol) Anyway, your plan sounds like a good one. Save your imagination for the good stuff. We love what you create!
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Thanks Susan. Interesting how some of us our predisposed to do that.
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A wandering imagination has its advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes, I have to rein mine in.
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Lol. Perhaps all of us creatives do.
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It’s hard to rein in the wandering mind. But that’s a good resolution. (K)
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True. Thanks
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You’re right that too active imagination can cause anxiety about things that may never happen.
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Exactly. 🥰
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😍
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I enjoy how you use your imagination in your blog.😊
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Thanks Eilene!
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it’s a good plan: putting your imagination into your poems and painting —
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Yes. Thanks John
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I love how you use your Maggie Mason for your creative process, VJ!
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Thanks Wynne 😁💕
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Your Maggie Mason focussed on the creative process will benefit your readers for sure. What ifs are such soul sappers! I agree with Heather, sweep them away.n
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Sweeping them away is a good idea. Thanks
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You are welcome, VJ.
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I’ve come to the exact same conclusion: “I think I need to focus on living with what is and saving my imagination for the creative process.”
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Yes. Well said
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Thanks!
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Welcome, Liz
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Oh, those what ifs need to be swept away with the dust bunnies! Finding the balance between the two is not always easy.
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So true. Thanks Heather
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You’re welcome.
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