Delusional Magical Thinking

We live in a world that constantly tells us that anything is possible if we just believe hard enough. “The universe is on your side,” “everything happens for a reason,” “if you can imagine it, you can achieve it.” These phrases sound lovely and uplifting, even hopeful. And yes, sometimes they help… but what happens when that hope becomes a trap for our mental health?

This is where a concept comes in that might sound sarcastic or a bit harsh (and I apologize in advance) but it’s real: foolish magical thinking.

What is foolish magical thinking?

Magical thinking isn’t new. In psychology, it refers to the belief that our thoughts or wishes alone can influence reality, even without any logical or practical basis. It’s a normal part of childhood, when we believe that closing our eyes and making a wish might actually change something.

But foolish magical thinking shows up when, as adults, we hold on to naïve beliefs that feel good in the moment but stop us from taking real action. Like:

– “If I want it with all my heart, it will happen”
– “The universe will send it to me”
– “If it’s not happening, it just wasn’t meant for me”

Sounds nice, right? But if we don’t move, we stay stuck. (Think about it!)

Why does this affect our mental health?

In my beloved Mexican-American community in the Rio Grande Valley (and in many others too, I imagine), we’re often raised to be strong, to smile through the pain, to keep pushing no matter what. That pressure to always “power through” can make us ignore what we’re really feeling and instead, we cling to the comfort of believing that things will just fix themselves somehow.

But foolish magical thinking leads to procrastination, passivity, and eventually, frustration. When things don’t magically change, we end up feeling lost, guilty, or like something’s wrong with us. That can eat away at our self-esteem, fuel our anxiety, and even spiral into depression.

I say this because I lived it! 

I’m not sharing this to judge anyone. I believed it too. I thought if I waited long enough, something would shift. That life would just “work itself out.” But I learned the hard way that life doesn't work like that.

This isn’t coming from a place of ego or superiority. I don’t think I’m better than anyone. I just want my community to wake up, to want more, to stop normalizing stagnation dressed up as “God’s plan.”
(Do you really think God wants you to sit around waiting for life to happen, without lifting a finger, just because you’re clinging to a misunderstood version of hope?)

I see too many young people stuck in these thought patterns, and they deserve better.

These aren’t tips. These are seeds. What you do with them is your choice. Water them or throw them away. 

How to let go of foolish magical thinking without losing hope

Letting go of this mindset doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams. It means pairing your dreams with real action. Here’s how:

Acknowledge what you feel. Sadness, fear, anger, it’s all valid. Feeling deeply doesn’t make you weak. Naming those feelings is where healing begins and it's a beautiful thing. 

Take action, even if it’s small. One step forward is better than waiting for a miracle. Start where you are.

Move with intention. Let your choices reflect your values, not someone else’s expectations.

Rewrite your story. Stop waiting for the “perfect timing” or a “sign.” Here is your sign, let's go!

Ask for support. Therapy isn’t weakness, it’s an act of strength. You don’t have to go through it alone.

Foolish magical thinking is self-deception dressed up as inspiration. It might comfort you short-term, but it won’t create change. And you, my wonderful reader, deserve real change.

You deserve momentum. You deserve clarity. You deserve to move forward.

So yes, dream big. But also take action.

Take care of your mental health the way you care for your dreams: with truth, with love, and with purpose.

Disclaimer: This post is for personal reflection and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're facing emotional challenges, please reach out to a licensed therapist or counselor. Your mental well-being matters and deserves proper support.

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