When the acknowledgement of reality is intimidating, the unpredictable possibilities of life cause individuals who rely on certainty in life to fear an unknown future, resulting in individuals creating a bubble of solitude around them and finding security in the depths of their imaginations.
The unpredictable pressures and possibilities of life cause individuals to confine themselves in their idealistic world. While some individuals view reality as a blank canvas that they can paint with the colours of their dreams and aspirations, others view reality as a dungeon from which they must escape. Unfortunately, A large majority of the global population falls into that second category. Throughout an individual’s life, they are trapped by the truth, scared by uncertainty, and shackled by their future concerns. There is only one place that they can go to seek refuge, which is their imaginary or idealistic world. In this world, they are surrounded by nothing but pleasant delusions that provide them with unconditional comfort and a sense of security regarding the future.
Reality, for most individuals, mirrors a black hole that they are hurtling towards or a dark forest that is filled with unknown and unpredictable predators or obstacles that are just waiting to pounce and attack. This mindset causes people to acquire a fear of uncertain possibilities and pressures that will arise in the near future. This could mimic events or occurrences in life as simple as an exam that people don’t know if they will pass, or a group gathering that does not guarantee a pleasurable experience. In addition to that, due to their lack of knowledge regarding the future and their potent dependency on the element of certainty, they immediately assume the worst possible outcome, which, in turn, evokes feelings of uncertainty, fear, and an urge to retreat. As a result of the harsh perception of reality, human beings develop this primal instinct that never ceases to constantly generate new doubts and concerns regarding the inevitable outcome of the future. Therefore, due to the reality of life not being a phenomenon that an individual can control or alter in any way, individuals would rather barricade themselves within their imaginary bubble, which acts as a barrier that separates them from an intimidating reality.
The subconscious mind of an individual constructs this isolated bubble and world in such a way that makes it more secure than Alcatraz. This impenetrable shield does not permit the passing of any influence or fear from a dark and intimidating reality, which, in turn, provides a sense of security, assurance, and confidence to the one within it. Individuals do this for many reasons, but the most significant factor that contributes to their ultimate retreat into their imaginary world is the element of certainty that is absent when they are forced to face a reality that they cannot navigate or predict. Within their ideal world, the future is known to them because it has already been pre-determined or rehearsed, thereby resulting in the elimination of the most resented element that separates the reality of life from that of an individual’s unique imagination. This despised element is none other than the unpredictability of life. The essence of an individual’s imagination and deepest desires revolve around the aspects of control and certainty that allow individuals to delude themselves into a state of complete tranquillity and serenity, which, as a result, enhances their confidence due to their pre-existing knowledge of what will come next. It places people in their desired environment, in which they align with and excel in. Within this environment, they are able to navigate their ideal or imaginary world and predict what lies ahead, eradicating any and all elements of surprise, doubt, and perplexity that are bound to the reality of life.
I am an individual who experiences a potent fear of the unknown that is fueled by the overwhelming and overbearing reality that surrounds me at all hours of the day. As previously stated, individuals have unique views on reality. It can be bitter for some and sweet for others. Unfortunately, for me, the acknowledgement of an unpredictable reality is associated with the overpowering thought of what the future holds for me, resulting in me securing myself within my desired or idealistic world and finding comfort in the depths of my imagination. Personally, the acknowledgement or realization of reality causes the atmosphere around me to become gloomy, dark, and uncertain. This atmosphere can emerge from various events that I have experienced, which include, but are not limited to, an exam, meeting someone for the first time, and experiencing something, such as a rollercoaster ride, for the first time. These occurrences evoke a sense of fear regarding the uncontrollable or unknown corresponding outcome.
I find the unpredictability and uncertainty of life to be intimidating due to my innate urge to control any and all occurrences within my life for the purpose of being prepared or acquiring pre-existing knowledge regarding the reality of my life. Nevertheless, it is almost impossible to gain pre-existing knowledge about my future. Since my personality and mindset revolve around and depend upon the element of certainty in life, whenever the grim and uncertain reality of life overwhelms me, I feel as though my life is slipping away from my control, or the unpredictable possibilities and pressures of life are consuming and clouding my ability to think rationally, which evokes an overriding sense of fear and anxiety. I begin to feel vulnerable and susceptible to all of the unpredictable and inevitable circumstances in my life, mirroring unpredictable predators hunting their prey, simply waiting to pounce and attack. Just as how different types of prey bury themselves within their burrows or homes to avoid the predators that are attempting to hurt them, I bury myself deep within my imaginary or idealistic world to protect myself from the unpredictable and uncertain circumstances and events of reality that will ultimately result in the depletion of my mental health and a rise in my anxiety.
By barricading myself deep within my mind, I cause myself to begin daydreaming in my self-constructed world. I find comfort and security in my bubble or world of solitude because, for me, this environment acts as a safe haven or a place where I can go to seek refuge. Since I can gain a sense of control in my idealistic world, I am able to provide myself with guarantees and reassurance. Whereas, in reality, nothing is guaranteed, thereby resulting in unpredictability, vulnerability, and a fear of the unknown. My imaginary world is a world that I can control, a world that I can navigate, a world that I can predict, a world where my dreams are my reality, and a world that holds a future that I can see. In other words, it is a world that is designed just for me.