I'm 18 years old (going on 19 in 3 months). Practically as long as I can remember I've been having dreams of flying. I haven't made any connection between what's going on in my life when I DO (or DID) have the dreams, but I've had them as long as I can remember.

All I do to fly is just flap my wings like some kind of bird. The dreams when I fly are all different (none of them recurring), but I'm flying, none-the-less. You have to know I have an unrealistic fear of heights in real life. But in my dreams I'm so at peace flying, and not scared at all. (Not even when I go in for a landing. I'm NOT afraid of falling - unlike in real life!)

Could this mean anything in particular? Is part of me working something out because of recent events (what ever they may be), or is it just my self-conscious helping me get used to my dreaded fear of heights?? Of course, I used to be a big fan of Superman!

In my dreams sometimes I'm flying in circles over my backyard. One time I dreamt I was flying near the ceiling of my living room! But most times I'm just flying around for the heck of it (if I remember right). Either way I'd like to know what this all may mean.

Signed, Miss UNREALISTICALLY SCARED OF HEIGHTS

—Kristy, Age 18, Single, Loveland, OH, USA

Hi Kristy -

For a girl who's scared of heights, you sure do like to fly around! And the strange part, like you say, is that in your dreams you're really having a good time. You're at peace and you're "not scared at all." If you were flying in real life, you'd be terrified, because you have a fear of heights!

It's strange, isn't it? It's like someone who can't swim dreaming of diving deep beneath the ocean and feeling totally comfortable. Or like someone who's afraid of snakes (in real life) dreaming of buying one for a pet. How can we do something in our dreams that in real life would completely terrify us?

Can you guess the answer?

The reason why is because dreams symbolize our feelings and awarenesses; they aren't recreations of our literal thoughts and desires. This is why you can fly high above the ground in a dream (a symbol for feeling empowered in your life, and "on top of it all") and not be scared. And it's why you can handle a snake (symbol of change and growth) and not be frightened - or swim beneath the ocean (symbol of feeling comfortable with your emotions) without being afraid of drowning. Our dreams aren't really about snakes, flying, or swimming. Instead, they're about what each of these symbols represents!

Dreams like yours, where we are able to fly effortlessly above the Earth without obstacles in our way, are metaphors for feeling confident and powerful in our lives. We believe that any goal is in our reach, and that we can easily get to where we want to go. With an attitude like yours, you may get used to living at great heights! Congratulations on your flying dreams!