Feelings on MD

[Dani]

I know this has been asked before, but I'm really curious. Before I found out I had MD, when I thought I was the only person in the world who was like that, it was consuming my life and I resented it. But for some reason, once I found out about MD and was able to talk to other people who have it, I found that I didn't feel so consumed by my daydreams anymore. Maybe it was the realization that I wasn't alone. But anyway, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and now I really don't resent my MD. In fact, I see it as a pretty powerful tool, artistic and otherwise. If right now I could choose to be totally free of MD for the rest of my life, I would probably choose to keep it. I try to keep it under control, but I wouldn't want to completely get rid of it. Am I the only one who feels that way? Anyway, I know I'm rambling, so I just want to know how you guys feel about your MD; do you resent it or celebrate it? Or somewhere in between? Did it change when you found out you weren't alone? Just curious. ;)

[J Noland]

When I was younger (like in my teens) it was both a blessing and a curse. I needed it because I had no other true social connections but it kept me from doing homework, waking up on time, participating in the world. Now that I'm older I can control it a little better; I set aside time to do it instead of it just taking contol of me. I was unable to dd for a couple of months recently and it was really depressing. I'm still trying to get the whole gift back but I don't want to lose it again. As long as it doesn't spiral out of my control then I'm happy to stay an MDer!

[Rashomon Effect]

I believe a person will notice an absence of creativity as they make progress eliminating MD. I did.  The creativity does not go away or disappear, it goes dormant. There are hundreds of ways a person can maintain and enhance creativity  other than through MD. Creativity is not a muscle that will atrophy due to lack of use.  These other methods are, in my opinion, better options for maintaining and enhancing creativity than MD.

If a person has eliminated their MD through natural means and not by medication or electroshock  therapy treatment, I believe, it is a foolish notion that they have lost their ability for creativity. 

I don't try to hold onto any aspect of what is labeled MD. I believe every positive attribute listed for MD can be obtained other ways. I understand the vast majority of folks don't agree with me. I still learn and benefit from hearing other points of view. But, you don't need MD to be creative.

[Sandra]

MD has been a blessing during lonely times, but a curse when I couldn't control it.  I am so much wittier and more clever in my head. I always thought if I could write down exactly what I daydreamed, I would be a really successful writer.   I knew that my daydreaming was unique because no one else spoke about doing it, but I was never brave enough to tell people that I DD so much.  Right now, only my therapist knows.  I'm looking into holistic ways to control it and will share what I discover if it's successful.

What DO people think about all day if they aren't daydreaming?  Are we luckier then most because we daydream versus worrying or overanalyzing?  What do people think about when they're driving long distance or just looking out the window?

[Rashomon Effect]

There are a lot of different types of daydreams. Anytime a person is doing a mundane task their mind will wander. A person doing the dishes may be thinking of what they need to buy at the grocery store. A person at work may be looking forward to the weekend and think about what they plan to be doing.

I think everybody has some of those visualization type daydreams where they see themselves as a better person than who they are. People read books to be swept away and do the same when at movies.

There is one difference that MDers have to acknowledge if they want to stop/control MD. People make their real life a higher priority than the fantasy world, that is why they don't spend as much time daydreaming as folks who identify as MD. I do believe there is a strong neurological component to what people call MD. I think it is more difficult for them to make reality a priority, but I do think it is possible.

I understand what you mean when you say it has been a blessing during lonely times. That self-medicating, comforting aspect of MD is difficult to let go. I think it contributes to learned helplessness, if  a person indulges in that self absorbed, self-medicating use of daydreams. *shrugs* I think loneliness is not as daunting to me now as it once was.

Sandra said:

MD has been a blessing during lonely times, but a curse when I couldn't control it.  I am so much wittier and more clever in my head. I always thought if I could write down exactly what I daydreamed, I would be a really successful writer.   I knew that my daydreaming was unique because no one else spoke about doing it, but I was never brave enough to tell people that I DD so much.  Right now, only my therapist knows.  I'm looking into holistic ways to control it and will share what I discover if it's successful.

What DO people think about all day if they aren't daydreaming?  Are we luckier then most because we daydream versus worrying or overanalyzing?  What do people think about when they're driving long distance or just looking out the window?

[Wish Upon A Wish]

I think that since I've found out about it, it has gotten worse. I'm not sure if it's me being aware that I'm actually doing it (I never actually thought about if what I did was normal, in the same way one doesn't wonder if breathing is normal) or, seeing as it got worse after the quake in Feb last year, if it was going to get worse anyway, whether I heard of it or not. It doesn't really help me much, except occasionally it helps me figure things out or keeps me from boredom.

[Tanya]

hey even i hve MD n i don’t want 2 get rid of it!its n escape 4 me n i don’t how id survive without....wenevr i think of getn rid of MD i get scared. bt i am in 10th standard n its interfring with my studies.plz temme a solution 4 dis.