“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
I have found this quote to be so true. It affected me really strongly when I read it. That was 5 months ago.
My thoughts tend to agree….Wishing does take up as much if not more energy as planning.
When I wish, it is usually for something that I either can’t or shouldn’t have. No matter how many steps I take I get no closer to gaining it. All it really accomplishes is me wasting my time and thoughts on things that I have no business thinking about. It also can make me discontented, wanting and a perfect target for the enemy.
When I plan I am attempting to accomplish something. It is usually something doable or obtainable. It is something that is worth the reward of the wait and the energy expended to get it.
But as I write this I have to wonder if the “Something” I accomplish with a plan is really just a Wish fulfilled.
Any Thoughts??
Very thought provoking post, Theresa! I think you’re right, we shouldn’t spend so much time wishing. I’ve done that a lot throughout my life! Wonder what I would have accomplished if I had been making plans all that time?
I’m glad to see you posting again!
Oh good question!
I think for me…I tend to be lazy. Neither wishing or planning. I kind of fly by the seat of my pants. I tend to have my hubby take on the burden if it can happen or not.
When I wish about having something it is in the same manner as what you describe, it’s something I already know I can’t obtain. As long as I have no expectation of realizing this wish, and don’t as you say waste an unhealthy amount of time, and energy, on my fantasy, I think wishing is normal, and does no harm.
I think wishing, fantasizing, can serve as a needed time out, when the stress of our everyday life is weighing us down.
Sometimes we should to go after a goal, even when we have little hope of reaching it. If we do succeed that as you write it is a wish fulfilled. Another positive here is that since we don’t have any expectation of meeting our goal, we shouldn’t be disappointed if we don’t.
If wishing about something brings a smile to your face, then it’s good for your mental health, as long as you don’t spend too much time in this fantasy world. If wishing makes you feel sad, or feel stressed, then it is an unhealthy exercise.
If when listening to James Taylor and I imagine myself as “Sweet Baby James” that is a normal fantasy. If I look in the mirror and see James Taylor’s old, bald, grandfather, and wish I was young again, that’s unhealthy.
Faith is important so that we can have trust in a better future, and not get depressed about being James Taylor’s old, bald, grandfather.
I can still be “Sweet Baby James” (my middle name is James) but at the senior center not at the night club downtown. 
Ed
I love this comment. I also just spent the other night watching James Taylor and Carole King do a concert on PBS! LOVE THEM!