It’s helpful to take inventory of which dreams are actually things that you’ll put time, energy, and effort into accomplishing — and those that simply sound nice in theory. For me, one of the latter kinds of dreams is owning a coffee shop.

I’ve worked in coffee shops, I love making and drinking coffee, I’m obsessive about the craft, and I’d love to design the interior of a space for customers to enjoy… but will I ever do it, given the gargantuan amount of money, energy, and straight-up luck it requires to succeed? Probably not.

So, is it best to fully let go of half-dreams to make room for the ones you’ll actually chase after? Or is the mere presence of a lovely fantasy enough to merit the daydreaming? If it’s all in your head anyways, why try and “optimize” something that makes you happy to think about?

I don’t have an answer. But I am inclined to practice a certain kind of peace that allows you to appreciate something without entertaining the actions behind it. Life is vast and beautiful — you don’t need to assert personal ownership over it in order to deeply value the things that capture your affection.