Is it bad having an overactive imagination?

I have a crazy overactive imagination. I've been writing a story that's had to do a lot with what I've imagined, and sometimes I sort of go into these moments where the characters in the story are there, and I'm the main character, and I sort of get new ideas for the story and act them out and change around the way the whole idea plays out before writing it down. My brother will sometimes go along with me and will help me with it, since his imagination is just a overactive as mine is.

I'm fully aware that it's not actually real, but I do this often, and sometimes whenever I'm not feeling too good, I start imagining new ideas for the story, or just imagine myself as the main character going through the story, and then I'll feel better.

I've shared the story with quite a few people, and some of their reactions are really rude, a lot of them tell me to "grow up" and to quit imagining this kind of stuff, even though it's sort of hard since my story takes place in a place that I have a deep personal connection with, and that I visit annually (Whenever I go, I'm always imagining new stuff for the story and having fun at the same time).

Is it bad that I do this sort of stuff, even though I'm 14 and going into High School? I never go into the the whole "act it out" stuff while I'm at school, I normally do it at home or when I'm at the place where the story takes place

So, is it weird and bad that I do this sort of stuff? Should I listen to what those people say?

Please help!

upsidedownandrightsideup2012-07-09T17:58:39Z

Favorite Answer

An overactive imagination is a wonderful thing. I'm sixteen years old and I have basically the same exact thing that you do. Do not worry, it is wonderful! Never listen to those who say otherwise!

Have a great life and keep writing, please. :}

?2012-07-10T00:52:46Z

By your question, I think maybe someone has told you that you have an "overactive imagination". So you're writing a book, and all those adventures you're "dreaming up" take place in the book ? That's wonderful and very creative of you... you may one day become a popular writer, and have a bestseller !! But for now, you're 14, and making up stories. That's good, you're starting out....

You say that you do this often, and THAT may not be good. You do need to remember the difference between your dreams (and how you think it should be) and your reality (how it actually is). When you cross that fine line that you can't remember where you are or how people will react, not in your dreams, then you know you have a problem.... mental health issue.

If you share your stories with your brother, and have a good time with it, then you should continue to share your stories with your brother. If other people don't take them well, then obviously they don't need to read any more of your stories, do they ? Why beat yourself up over it ? You can have (you are allowed to have) privacy, when it comes to what you write in your stories.

Anonymous2012-07-10T00:50:10Z

No! Overactive imaginations are how the best inventions, works of art and books came to be!

You're already writing and I think that's a great place to be working is writing. You might be meant to write stories, maybe storylines for future video games, movies, TV or more.

It sounds more like a talent to me so long as it is not bothering you too much. If it bothers you then see a counselor but otherwise write and let your creativity guide you in your wonderful works of writing.

You might be the next great inventor one day! You might come up with a way to build a spacecraft that can hold people at the speed of light for space travel or more with your imagination. At the least, good money in fantasy novels!

God bless.

Elizabeth,

?2012-07-10T01:03:10Z

In no way is it bad! You seem to really know the difference. As long as you're able to control it to where it doesn't happen where anyone can see it and think you're crazy, you're okay.

You must enjoy working on your story, as long as it makes you happy while doing it and as long as you're still in touch with the real world. Don't let people say that you're crazy. You know you aren't, and that's what matters. Don't let them tell you to stop imagining either.

Who knows? Maybe someday you'll be writing best selling novels, or writing or directing Academy Award winning films. Maybe the story you're working on now will become a best selling novel, or a movie.

Keep on Imagining.

?2012-07-10T00:47:55Z

No, it's a great asset. Don't let it slip away. My imagination has been fading as I age, and it's pretty frustrating.

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