I have been meaning to write this blog post for some time. The inspiration came when one morning, after my wife had gone to work, I went into the bedroom to make the bed. I was surprised to see the bed half-made.

What message was I to read in this half-made bed?

Was this some sort of message to me?

Have I been making the bed wrong all these years?

Was she in a rush and had time to make half of it?

The stories I was spinning!

Life is a canvas of endless possibilities, and how we perceive and interact with the world around us is often shaped by the narratives we create for ourselves. One curious aspect of this phenomenon can be likened to the concept of a “half-made bed” – my metaphor highlighting our ability to invent intricate stories and live within the alternate realities we fashion. I’ll delve into how our minds construct these realities and how embracing this creative power can lead to a more imaginative and fulfilling life or lead us down a dark rabbit hole!

The Half-Made Bed: A Metaphor for Our Reality Crafting

There I was, facing a half-made bed, with one side neatly arranged, and the other left unattended – a perfect representation of my existence. On the one hand, there’s the tangible, external world with its undeniable truths and shared experiences. On the other hand, the vast realm of my thoughts, interpretations, and imaginings. In this realm, we weave the tapestry of our lives, often overlaying it on the foundation of the objective world (cue scary music), the meaning of the half-made bed.

Living in Alternate Realities (We all do it!)

The human mind is an incredible instrument of creativity.

It can take the mundane and transform it into something extraordinary. Have you ever found yourself lost in a daydream, creating an elaborate story around a chance encounter or a simple observation?

This is the mind at work, crafting an alternate reality that captivates our senses and emotions. It’s a habit that we believe is helpful in some way.

These alternate realities can serve as a means of escape, coping with challenges, or amplifying joy. We may imagine ourselves as heroes on epic quests, successful individuals in our chosen fields, or explorers in uncharted territories. The key is that these narratives, though not grounded in concrete reality, have a tangible impact on our emotions, perceptions, and behaviours. As powerful as it is, the mind has a fault that it can’t tell the difference between a real experience and one imagined.

Imagine you are holding a large yellow lemon right now, and your mouth will soon start to fill up with saliva. There is no lemon.

If you find that amusing, think of the implications in the so-called real world!

The Power of Imagination

Living in alternate realities isn’t about delusion; it’s about harnessing the power of imagination to enhance our life experience. Imagination can foster empathy, enabling us to better understand the perspectives of others. It can also be a tool for problem-solving, helping us envision new possibilities and solutions.

Consider the artists, writers, and creators who conjure entire worlds from their minds, sharing them with others through their work. Often far removed from our everyday reality, these visions touch something deep within us, inspiring us to question, explore, and dream.

Creating Our Own Realities

Living through these crafted realities can provide a sense of agency and control, even when external circumstances might be challenging.

By embracing the art of shaping our narratives, we empower ourselves to actively participate in our lives. When life hands us uncertainties or setbacks, we can rewrite the script, focusing on resilience, growth, and learning.

I like to use my internal world as a laboratory of possibility, where I experiment with various scenarios and emotions before applying them to our external reality. The confidence and insights gained from these inner explorations can lead to bolder actions and a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the human experience.

I have also found myself using it as a place of impossibility, filled with thoughts of insecurity, doubt, and fear, leading to actions of despair and depreciation.

Both worlds are fueled by the same resource – thought.

The metaphor of the half-made bed serves as a reminder that we are not merely passive observers of life but active authors of our own stories.

There is the world and then our stories and meanings of that world.

While the objective world provides the framework, our imaginative capacity colours our experiences and shapes our understanding.

By embracing our ability to craft alternate realities, we tap into a wellspring of creativity that can enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.

So, let’s explore the world of the half-made bed, where reality intertwines with the limitless possibilities of our minds and where our narratives become bridges to new dimensions of existence.

Kind regards,

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It’s travel time again, so connecting opportunities will happen in mid-September. Lots of new things in the works, so stay tuned.

I have two spots open starting in October for anyone interested in a Leadership Mentoring opportunity. The spots are either for a six-month or twelve-month term.

One-to-one coaching discovery sessions will be opening up again starting September 18th.

Until then, keep exploring, growing and experiencing life to the fullest untethered.