Unlock the power of your dreams

Bestselling author and renowned dream expert Kelly Sullivan Walden decodes the dreams of four FIRST readers.

“A handsome man saves me”

DREAM: “I’m in a bad neighborhood when a handsome man takes my hand and says, ‘It’s too dangerous for you to go alone.’ When gunfire breaks out, he creates a force field around us and says, ‘You’re safe now. I’ll see you in the morning.’” —Eliza Katz, Atlanta

WHAT IT’S TELLING YOU: “If you’re ever going through a tough time, this dream is reassuring you that a higher energy will help you navigate. The man saying, ‘I’ll see you in the morning’ symbolizes two things to me: Morning can be wordplay for ‘mourning,’ as in, ‘I’ll be there for you when you mourn.’ Are you grieving something or someone? But morning is also when the sun comes out, and he’s saying, ‘I’m with you in dark times and in the light.’ Rest assured this dream is meant to be comforting, especially when life gets rocky.”

“I’m stuck in a theme park!”

DREAM: “I’m at an amusement park with my granddaughters and they don’t want to leave. When I finally convince them it’s time to go, we can’t find the exit. We search for hours but can’t get out.”

—Connie Eilers, Napa, CA

WHAT IT’S TELLING YOU: “Dreams that take place in an amusement park tend to reflect our relationship with joy, diversion and our playful spirit. And your dream also touches your ‘insatiability’ button: Your granddaughters can’t get enough fun, and you can’t please them as much as you’d like. This has roots in the lie we tell ourselves that we are not enough. I suggest using this dream as an invitation to exit your inner emotional roller coaster with regards to areas of your life where you feel lacking, whether that’s at work or with loved ones. When you know where the stop button is on selfcriticism, you can find true amusement that elevates you and everyone else in an upward spiral of joy.”

“A stallion smiles at me”

DREAM: “I hear the clopping of something coming up behind me, getting closer and closer, and I try to move out of the way. Suddenly the noise stops, I turn around and there’s a giant horse giving me a huge toothy grin.” —Nancy Smith, Columbus, OH WHAT IT’S TELLING YOU: “In many dreams involving the dreamer trying to evade an ‘enemy,’ the thing we are avoiding frequently turns out to be an ally in disguise. Have you been having a hard time saddling up to how amazing, capable, talented and strong you are lately? Have you been hiding your light? If so, this dream is telling you it’s time to harness your wild, unbridled strength and connect with your personal passion and appetite for freedom. This horse could be your ‘power’ animal, and by giving you a huge toothy grin, he is trying to remind you of your own magnificence and motivating you to seize all opportunities that come your way.”

“I’m always late!”

DREAM: “I’m very punctual, yet in my dreams, I’m the one running late…for everything! I wake up feeling extremely anxious.” —Celia Cook, Seattle

WHAT IT’S TELLING YOU: “Dreams of being late can reflect your fear of being ill-equipped for a task. As stressful as they can be, they’re actually a blessing because they keep you bringing your A-game. But this dream can also be about being ‘late’ in another way. Is there a place in your life where you feel like a late bloomer? Do you drag your feet when making decisions? Maybe you’re just late in realizing that you’re perfect as you are? I suggest reviewing your dreams for why you’re late: Do you get distracted? Derailed by someone? Then imagine you take action so you stay on track. Notice how good you feel, then take a deep breath to release any pressure that may be slowing you down in your waking life.”