Have you ever stopped to consider what your wishes reveal about you? We all have wishes, from the everyday—"I wish I’d remembered to buy eggs at the store"—to the extraordinary—"I wish I could travel the world."
Interestingly, some psychologists suggest that our wishes offer deep insights into our personalities. Even the most unconventional desires might have the power to change our lives in unexpected ways.
This morning, as my son sang "Amnesia" by 5 Seconds of Summer, I couldn’t help but be struck by the absurdity of the lyrics:
"I wish that I could wake up with amnesia
And forget about the stupid little things."
I found myself wondering, "Why would anyone wish for amnesia?" Then I remembered: We’ve all had unconventional wishes at some point in our lives. I once wished there was a medicine that could make me immune to heartbreak.
These wishes reveal a lot about who we are—what we've been through and what we long for in the world. The lyricist of "Amnesia" must have experienced something so painful that they wished to forget everything so that they’re able to move on with life. My silly teenage wish was born out of disappointing crushes.
What about you? Have you ever had an unconventional wish? What was it about?
The Psychology of Wish Lists
Most of the time, our wishes are more than just fleeting thoughts or material desires; they often reflect what we truly value and care about. If you're like me and have an Amazon Wish List, you can instantly see what I’m currently obsessing about —mostly books and photography-related items. Of course, this type of wish list only scratches the surface. We have much deeper wishes, some of which we may only confide in our journals, or, if we’re feeling brave, share on social platforms or blogs.
I found this statement from The Palgrave Encyclopedia of the Possible in a paper titled “Wish” particularly compelling:
"Wishes are not signs of intrinsic irrationality, nor markers of pathological functioning; instead, they are embedded in human action and connect us to the possible, to others, and to the world." (Glăveanu, 2023)
The paper further explores the sociocultural implications of wishes and wish-making, concluding with a thought-provoking insight:
"Wishes might not always come true, but the act of wishing, in and of itself, reflects the power to envision the world differently than it is." (Glăveanu, 2023)
With this in mind, it’s clear that wishing is not just a whimsical act; it’s an essential part of living.
Five Unconventional Wishes That Offer Insight and Improvement
Now, let's revisit the concept of wishes that you probably won't find on a typical wish list. These unconventional desires not only reveal intriguing aspects of your personality but they can also lead to significant personal growth.
1. The Wish for Challenges in Life
It’s unlikely anyone explicitly wishes for more obstacles in life. But if your unconventional wish sounds like, “I wish I could go back to university and retrain as a [desired profession],” or “I wish I could break free from this addiction,” you’re not exactly wishing for an easy path.
What it reveals: Wishing for challenges reflects a desire for personal growth and confidence in your ability to overcome difficulties. It’s a sign of resilience and a growth mindset.
How it improves life: Embracing obstacles builds character, enhances problem-solving skills, and increases your capacity to handle stress. By actively seeking challenges, you're constantly expanding your comfort zone and becoming more adaptable.
2. The Wish for Vulnerability
No one relishes the idea of laying all their insecurities and worries out in the open. Yet, sometimes we wish we could share these things with someone.
What it reveals: This wish indicates a high value placed on truth and authentic connections. It suggests a willingness to face uncomfortable truths for the sake of genuine relationships.
How it improves life: While radical vulnerability can be overwhelming, pursuing more honest interactions can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships. It also promotes self-awareness as you become more attuned to your own truths.
3. The Wish to Temporarily Forget a Skill or Knowledge
Similar to the song “Amnesia,” this wish to forget something we already know is highly unusual. But instead of pain driving it, this wish is about wanting to experience something we love as if it were the first time. Have you ever wished you could read a particular book, watch a certain show, or listen to a song as if it were the first time? That’s what this wish is about.
What it reveals: This unusual wish demonstrates an appreciation for learning and a beginner's mindset. It shows creativity and a desire for new perspectives, as well as a willingness to love something all over again in a fresh way.
How it improves life: Temporarily forgetting a skill or knowledge allows you to relearn it with fresh eyes. This can reignite your passion, help you discover new approaches, and even improve your ability to teach others.
4. The Wish for an Analog Life
Have you ever wanted to simply disconnect from the Internet, find peace in a beautiful remote place, wake up without alarms, and live without the pressures of daily life?
What it reveals: In our hyper-connected world, this wish suggests a desire for deeper connections and a simpler way of living. It indicates an awareness of the potential downsides of constant connectivity.
How it improves life: Occasional "digital detoxes" can enhance creativity, improve in-person relationships, and help you rediscover offline hobbies and interests. It can lead to a more balanced and mindful approach to technology use.
5. The Wish to Experience Life as Someone Completely Different
While this wish may not be so unusual, the idea of wanting to escape and live as someone else is something many of us have entertained. That’s why daydreaming and fantasies hold such appeal.
What it reveals: This wish showcases curiosity and a capacity for empathy. It reflects an openness to new experiences and a desire to understand diverse perspectives.
How it improves life: Although we can’t literally become someone else, actively seeking to understand different life experiences can dramatically broaden your perspective. This leads to increased empathy, better communication skills, and a more nuanced understanding of the world.
Redefining Your Wish List
Do any of these unconventional wishes resonate with you? What do you think your own wish list says about you? Are your wishes aligned with your values and the person you aspire to become?
Perhaps, it’s time to challenge yourself to create a wish that pushes you out of your comfort zone—one that reveals an aspect of yourself you'd like to develop. Remember, the true power of a wish lies not in its fulfilment but in how it shapes your actions and perceptions.
So, what’s your unconventional wish?