Our dreams come to us in service of our health and
well-being. That doesn’t always mean they
tell us what we want to hear. But they
always tell us what we need to hear.
Today’s dreamer offers a perfect example, though she may not like it
very much.
Dear Carolyn,
I have a friend whom I have questions about. I’ll call her “Margaret,” She is chairperson of a committee I have been
a member of for over a year now. Generally
we work well together, or so I thought.
Margaret called me recently and asked me not to be so much of a leader
in the committee! She said she doesn’t
feel competitive with me, but why would she even bring it up otherwise? She said I should step back my style and just
ask questions or the other members will start to resent me!
I have always been a conscientious member of this
group. I pull my weight and do my best
to help others. No one else has ever
complained to me, or given me so much as a sideways glance. I think Margaret is jealous of me and feels I
am a better leader than she is. I enjoy
the work we do and the other committee members, but I often wonder if I should
leave this group.
Now, my dream:
Margaret and I are in a meeting.
It looks like the United Nations.
We are seated at opposite ends of a long table. Every time I try to say something, she
interrupts me. I get angry and
frustrated. And then I learn that she
represents Sweden. She is a neutral
country and has immunity from my complaints.
Signed,
Frustrated Diplomat
Dear Diplomat,
Our dreams tell us the truth. What we do with that truth is another
matter. Many times, when faced with a
truth that we find unpleasant, or counter to our prevailing beliefs, we just
don’t want to hear it.
Such is the case with your dream today, Dear Dreamer. It provides insights into your current situation and your relationship with Margaret that you may find hard to accept.
First, your dream is set in the UN, a place designed for peacekeeping. But it has you seated opposite Margaret
signifying your oppositional relationship with her. Noteworthy is that both of you have power
positions at the ends of the table. In
these positions, you might have a balance of power if your competitive natures
could be softened.
When your dream casts Margaret in the role of
Sweden, the message is clear even to you within the dream: She is not biased; she is neutral. You must consider her opinion. Even if you are well-intentioned, you may be overstepping
your bounds.
On the pragmatic side, she is immune to your accusations. Consider this carefully: It seems Margaret has the power in this
situation. Take a deep breath and
measure your response. You may choose to
leave the group; or, if you stay, you must accept her leadership and a lesser
role for yourself.
Sweet Dreams to You!
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