Dream Could Be A Wake-Up Call

Dear Nancy: I’ve had this recurring dream for several years, but recently it’s occurring once or twice a week. The details change, but it’s always the same theme. Although my daughters are now adults, they always appear in these dreams as young girls. What can it mean? - Wanda

I’m searching through clothing to find something for my daughters to wear. It seems school or some other important event is about to take place and my girls have very little clothing. I keep telling other people, “I must get out and shop for them.” As I look at the girls, their clothes appear to be too tight and shabby. I’m also worried I may not have the money to buy new clothes, but I know I’ll try.

Dear Wanda: In our culture, clothing is often a statement of who we are as individuals, thus the phrases, “The clothes make the man!” and “She’s making a fashion statement.” Therefore, clothing in dreams can reveal the dreamer’s views and attitudes of himself and others.

Your dream can be viewed from several perspectives: You told me both of your daughters are going through changes at work. Your dream suggests you believe your daughters are ready for a new “image,” one that is more fitting. Do you feel compelled to help them financially or in some other way?

Dreams often use other people to symbolize parts of ourselves. In this case, the dream could be all about you since your daughters are so young in the dream. Is there a youthful and budding part of yourself that you have ignored?

Perhaps the dream is asking you to pay attention to your own self-image. Is it time to discard old and limiting attitudes about your creativity and capacity for life? Do you limit yourself by staying in a role that doesn’t fit you anymore?

Do you feel inadequate or vulnerable about the way people see you? If so, you may need to work on selfesteem.

Recurring dreams are a “wake-up call” and highlight important issues in our lives. In your dream, school or another important event is about to begin, signaling a change is eminent. Your decision to find new clothing that fits well and is more appropriate is a sign you are ready to change your attitude, perspective or even lifestyle.

Only you can know the true meaning of your dream, Wanda, but I hope I’ve given you some things to think about.

Reader tips: In dreams, clothing can tell how you feel about yourself - but what about dreams in which you’re naked?

Generally, if you feel comfortable, it indicates you are at ease with yourself and feel no need to hide who you are. If, on the other hand, you’re trying to cover up and feel exposed, the dream is signaling you are feeling vulnerable and may be fearful of revealing your true self.

Remember to incubate your Christmas and New Year’s dreams. Now is a great time to ask for insight into the upcoming year! Then, send them to me.

This column is intended as entertainment. But psychologists who work with clients’ dreams say that dreams can hold a tremendous amount of significance; a particularly disturbing or repetitive dream may indicate the need to see a therapist.

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