Imagining delusions, and creating from imagination

Boys, be ambitious.

I have been thinking about the meaning of these words a lot lately.

Tracing back old memories,

in my first-grade elementary school anthology,
I wrote that I wanted to become a comedian who surpasses Yasushi Yokoyama.
I had written that.

It seems that as a child,
I did have an ambition that could properly be called a "dream."

However, I was gradually overwhelmed by the "reality" of daily life,
and I became unable to even dream.

I was tossed about by the terrifyingly approaching days,
and was desperate just to get through each day.

In my late 30s, I finally realized it.

Instead of just watching the "delusions" swirling in my head,
I should try to actively imagine them.

And then, I should turn those things I imagined
into "creation."

Imagining delusions, and creating from imagination.

That has become an important activity for me now.

Delusions are the seeds of creation

As people grow up,
they tend to forget how to dream.

Crushed by the weight of reality,
they become fully occupied with just "getting through the day."

However, what we must not forget is that
delusions are the driving force of imaginationitself.

・"What if I had made a different choice back then?"
・"If only I could live like this someday."
・"Isn't my true self freer and more wonderful?"

Do not let these delusions end as mere daydreams.
Carefully imagine them, give them shape,
and bring them closer to reality little by little.

I believe that is what it means to "create from imagination."

The joy of creating from imagination

Creators all live through this process.

A novelist imagines their delusions and creates words for them.

A musician imagines the images that come to mind and creates them into melodies.

A painter imagines the scenery in their head and creates it on canvas.

Even if you are not a professional, you can still "create from imagination" in your daily life.

・Imagine your ideal self that you have fantasized about, and try changing your actions today just a little bit
・Try writing down the stories that pop into your head on note
・Try capturing the scenery that resonates with your heart in a photograph

By repeating these kinds of actions, the "ambition" you were about to lose will breathe again.

From the room of mirrors to the door of creation

If you only imagine your delusions, it will just end as mere introspection.

But there is meaning in taking a step forward from there to "create."

While objectively observing the existence of "yourself," use those delusions as material to bring something new into being.

It takes a little courage, but it is a feeling that is infinitely free and light.

A boy who could no longer hold onto his ambitions might be able to spin his life back into a "story" once more by imagining his delusions and creating from that imagination.

What kind of delusions are you holding onto right now? And how far can you imagine those delusions, and how far can you create from them?

I would be very happy if this article becomes a catalyst for you to "create from imagination."