If we are wise, we learn how to make only those promises that we are confident we can keep and that we wish to perform. By planning well we can save ourselves pain and sorrow. By not limiting ourselves with too many contracts, agreements, and promises we can be free to imagine many alternatives and be open to the new situations life presents us beyond all our imaginings. Fantasy Fantasy often intermingles with our reflections on the past and our plans and future projections. Most of these fantasies are motivated by wishes and hopes or by fears.
Many fears are warnings from the basic motivation for survival and security.
If we feel insecure about something, our basic self is likely to worry and imagine some of the bad things that might happen. For example, if our boss calls us into his or her office, we might begin thinking of things we could be accused of, fantasizing how we would respond to each charge and what the boss would say or do next, etc. These fantasies can point out our insecurities, guilt, shame, etc. which may need to be examined by us. Persistent negative fantasies may call for psychotherapy for excessive anxiety or paranoia. Everyone is anxious in threatening situations, and in these cases imagination can help us consider our possibilities and prepare us to respond to challenges.