"ما همه کابوس داریم، اما کابوس‌های من همان‌هایی هستند که من زندگی می‌کنم"

Living with nightmares in real life is a concept many can relate to, even if the specifics differ. This quote touches on the idea that everyone has fears or anxieties, but for some, these fears play out in their daily lives rather than just in their dreams. It's about the stark reality of facing your worst fears head-on, day by day.

Historically, this sentiment resonates with periods of great personal or collective struggle. Think about soldiers in wartime, or individuals during the Great Depression. These people didn't just dream of hardship—they woke up to it every morning. It's a powerful reminder that for many, the line between nightmare and reality is blurred.

Picture this: imagine a veteran returning from war with PTSD. Every loud noise, every crowded room, might throw them back into the chaos they experienced. Their nightmares aren't confined to when they sleep—they're part of their waking world. A friend of mine, let's call him Sam, went through this. He'd jump at fireworks on the Fourth of July, his eyes wide with that haunted look. For him, the war wasn't over when he left the battlefield.

To apply this wisdom to your life, first, recognize your own "nightmares." What are you afraid of? What keeps you up at night? Then, see how these fears manifest in your daily actions or thoughts. Once you recognize them, start small. No one tackles their biggest fears in one go. If you're terrified of public speaking, for example, begin by speaking up in a small group or even practicing in front of a mirror. Gradually, build up to bigger challenges.

Now, let me tell you about another friend—let’s call her Jessica. Jessica had a profound fear of failure, stemming from a childhood where mistakes weren’t tolerated. This fear haunted her academic life and professional career. She wouldn’t take risks, always opting for the safe path. But one day, she decided enough was enough. She started setting small, achievable goals where failure was an option but not the end of the world—like taking up a dance class despite having two left feet. Slowly, she learned that failure was just part of the journey, not a nightmare to be avoided at all costs.

Think about Jessica’s story the next time you’re paralyzed by fear. Remember that everyone has their own "nightmares," and facing them is a step-by-step process. Start by identifying your fears, then take incremental steps to confront them. It’s like chipping away at a massive ice block—each small effort counts, even if it doesn’t seem like much at the time.

In the end, living through your nightmares means accepting that they exist and choosing to confront them instead of letting them control you. It's about courage, resilience, and the understanding that you're not alone in this struggle. So the next time you're faced with your own waking nightmare, remember Sam and Jessica, and take that first small step. You might surprise yourself with how far you can go.