When I was young and expressing my own creative ideas to my father, he smiled, gave me a hug, and told me that I might be a “nutcase.” I took this as a compliment because he meant it as one. My father and I were very much alike–both dreamers, both able to turn a bad situation into something better with our dreams. We were very often not realists, and while that might pose a problem in some situations, because of it, we were rarely depressed. And if we did get down, were able to put things back together with HOPE.
I knew, and still know others, who are what one of my sons calls, “Debbie Downers.” These people, wonderful though they may be, cannot sluff things off, cannot dream, cannot be nutcases; they are too practical, and afraid to try new things. Instead of ideas, excuses for ‘why they can’t’ come into play: I won’t measure up. I don’t have enough talent. I am too old.
Well, you are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream, according to C.S. Lewis.
According to Shakespeare, We are such stuff as dreams are made on.
And in Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter asks: Have I gone mad? Alice responds: I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.
If you’re looking around for someone to lift your spirits, you may find a nutcase in the spontaneous.
You may find a dreamer in the cheerful.
You may even find the lunatic you need to light up your ‘Debbie Downer’ life.
Translating a World on the Edge 