We have all had recurring dreams, right? My daughter came to me the other day, saying that she’s been having a recurring nightmare. When she went on to describe her memory, it got me thinking about the fact that my recurrences are only nightmares. Why is that? Is there science behind why my recurring dreams are nightmares versus scenes and images of me on a beach nestled in paradise, surrounded by my favorite people, without a care in the world?
As a child, I had a fear of clowns (actually, I must admit, I still find them rather nightmarish). I’m guessing I was about 8 when the torment began. I’ll never forget waking up for the first time out of a deep sleep in a full sweat. At the time, I was living in Avon and the first house I can remember as a child. It was evening, just after dinner when the house settles down but most children aren’t ready to drift off to sleep. I was listening to Michael Jackson’s Thriller album on my record player, while hosting my own private version of modern day American Idol.
“Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son”
I belted out at the top of my lungs when, out of the corner of my eye, I caught of glimpse of the red painted and unpleasant smile that seemed to house all of my fears in one. I saw cruelty in his eyes and it’s grotesque face would haunt me for years to come.
Within seconds, I bolted out of my room and went desperately seeking the comfort of my parent’s arms. Unfortunately, when I got to their room, what I found led me on a frantic chase to find them.
In an effort to keep the visual from you and to keep this horrific memory from being written down in its entirety, I’ll end here…
While my daughter’s recurring nightmare was a different storyline than mine as a child, it had many similarities. If only I could find a way to change the tone of these dreams to a state of bliss …. maybe I’ve found an idea worth pursuing to make my millions for all of those exhausted children and parents who have ever been woken up frightened by such dreams.
Adrienne's Slice of Life 
You’re so right. Reoccurring dreams are never good ones! I, too, think clowns are nightmarish! I hope your daughter’s reoccurring nightmare is replaced by lovely dreams!
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