Choose Quote by John Irving
“Of all the things you choose in life, you don't get to choose what your nightmares are. You don't pick them; they pick you.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Cider House Rules by John Irving, 1985
We cannot control the content of our nightmares, only how we respond to them.
In simple terms: Nightmares are involuntary; we manage reactions.
Key Takeaway
Accept and process fear.
Themes
psychology
control
fear
acceptance
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- nighttime anxiety
- creative writing
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
subconscious
autonomy
cognitive coping
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you react when a nightmare recurs?
- Can confronting a nightmare reduce its power?
A Different Perspective
Nightmares may still affect mood despite acceptance.
![“JUST BECAUSE A BUNCH OF ATHEISTS ARE BETTER WRITERS THAN THE GUYS WHO WROTE THE BIBLE DOESN'T NECESSARILY MAKE THEM RIGHT!" [Owen Meany] said crossly. "LOOK AT THOSE WEIRDO TV MIRACLE-WORKERS--THEY'RE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IN MAGIC! BUT THE REAL MIRACLES AREN'T ANYTHING YOU CAN…” quote by John Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70e/john-irving-337_atheists_just-because-a-bunch-of-atheists-are-bet_31804.jpg)
