Ready to give it up, but...

[Jenna]

I've just lost interest in my characters and the worlds I've created. This has been going on for months even. I really am at the point of giving up the daydreaming. In fact, I feel like I can achieve so much more if I give it up, and I really want to just let go.

The only thing is it's become such a habit I'm not sure how to stop. Does that make sense? For me it once started as a coping mechanism has twisted my mind (I guess you can say) to a new type of thinking pattern. Basically my mind has adapted to this way of thinking, and I wish to reverse it. I can't simply sit quietly and not daydream, because I'm not use to "thinking" like others.

Now granted, I'm not saying I want it gone 100%. Maybe, just maybe if I could simply daydream from 15 to 30 mins a day and that be it, I feel as though I one could keep that creative thinking, use it as a way to sort of "express" myself, get some possible ideas and most importantly be able to keep my characters, but without the attraction.

Besides I would probably be a million times more productive, which would really help considering I'm starting high school next year.

[Paracosm]

No problem, Jenna. Keep us updated on your progress! :)

[Jenna]

Oh sorry for the late reply! I completely understand what you mean though, it makes sense. I have been trying to limit myself, but I still do have relapses occasionally (Okay by that I mean almost every day just some days more severe than others.) 

Anyways, I truly get what you mean, and I'm starting to figure out some ways to keep myself busy instead of daydreaming.  Thanks for your feedback.

[Paracosm]

Hi Jenna! :) First and foremost, I want to say that having your daydreaming go from a coping mechanism to a plain ol' habit is BIG deal, at least it would be for me—the reason being that habits are much easier to break—well, relatively. For me, daydreaming is a lot of things: a compulsion, an addiction, and a coping mechanism. I would like it much better if I could reduce it down to just one of those things.

If your daydreaming is just a habit now, then the best thing I can suggest is to practice some self-discipline. I admit, I'm not a good example of this, but the small things, such as sticking to a schedule, are a good place to start.

BUT (and this brings me to a second point), it's important to consider WHO you are. Don't try to force yourself into an unnatural shape—into a mold you don't fit into—just so you can be "normal" or "fit in". I don't know about you, but I don't think I could ever be "normal". My mind works differently, and there's nothing wrong with that. I embrace weirdness, lol. Some people have extremely active minds, and if nothing is going on inside their brains, it's enough to make them go crazy. When I was a little girl, everyone made fun of me because I always complained of being bored. It wasn't a normal kid "phase"—it was the sign of an unchallenged mind. So, I developed techniques to keep me from losing my mind. Nowadays, I draw imaginary lines on the walls and objects in the room to create convex polygons in the most efficient way possible. I imagine how a shelf of books could be rearranged so they're symmetrical. I make shapes with the shadows on the ceilings. And I daydream.

I think it's really important to consider the way your mind naturally works. I don't mean you should let your daydreams take control of you—certainly not. Perhaps it's a sign that you need something else with which to challenge yourself. But it's great that you don't feel attached to your daydreams anymore. I wish I could say the same.

Anyway, maybe that didn't make any sense. I'm sleepy and I feel like I'm just pressing buttons on the keyboard now, lol.

[Jenna]

Hmm I get what you mean, I'll try that. Thanks! :)