Picture it—a sixth grade science class. The sun shone through large, closed windows, heating up the classroom to a level between bake and broil. We had just finished lunch period, and I could feel the onset of a food coma fast approaching. Science was the last thing on my mind. I took my seat near the window, looked outside, and my imagination took off. I don’t remember where my mind had taken me that day, but I do remember being jolted back into classroom realness.
Sr. Rita: “Ryan?”
I froze. “Shit”, I thought. My face burned with embarrassment. I hadn’t been listening, and everyone knew it. I could feel lasers shooting from Sr. Rita’s eyes, searing into me. In an instant, this classroom of lethargic, drowsy adolescents sprung to life, amused and content to watch me squirm while Sr. Rita closed in, step by step, in my direction. “The question is, how many planets are in our solar system?”
By now, Atilla the Nun was at my desk, towering over me, her wooden rosary belt swinging inches from my face.
“Eight”, I said.
The room erupted into laughter.
“No.” She sighed, relishing my humiliation. “Class, how many planets are in our solar system?” A Greek chorus of prepubescent voices chimed, “Nine.” Kids are assholes.
Sr. Rita seemed pleased with herself and floated back to the chalkboard, commenting in my direction: “If you learn nothing else today, I hope it’s that daydreaming will get you nowhere.”
Again, my mind began to drift, except this time, I was calculating the most efficient way to spread a rumor that St. Rita was caught using her rosary belt as anal beads.
Sidebar: Back then, Science class taught us that there were 9 planets in our solar system. Then for some reason and a lot of Outer Space/Star Trek bullshit, Pluto was demoted to a dwarf planet in 2006. Presto! Now, Science class teaches us that there are 8 planets in our solar system. So, I was correct all those years ago; I was just ahead of my time. If NASA had had its shit together, I would have been spared that humiliation. 9 planets? 8 planets? Make up your goddamned mind and get this Nun off my back.
It’s been almost forty years since that science class, and I’m sure Sr. Rita has met her maker by now. But if I could get just a few moments with her again, I’d say: “Um, just so you know, not only has daydreaming been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, but it also helps with problem-solving and enhances creativity. And when it comes to setting and achieving goals, taking the time to think for pleasure has also proven beneficial. Bitch!”
Daydreaming is not a frivolous indulgence but a powerful tool that can unlock our creativity, inspire innovation, and motivate society to push the boundaries of what is possible. By embracing the beauty of new possibilities and imagining what could be, we can tap into a wellspring of inspiration and motivation to fuel personal and societal progress.
For example, look at the field of Interior Design. If Interior Design were left to only straight designers, most homes would still be decked out in wood paneling and shag carpet. Homos give you fabulosity.
Why? Because as homosexuals, we know how to dream and dream big. And we’ve changed the world because of it. I’m sure at one time, RuPaul’s Drag Race was only the tiniest of notions in Mama Ru’s imagination. Look at the bitch now. She has built an empire on those daydreams.
In a world that often values productivity and efficiency above all else, it is essential to remember the value of daydreaming. By allowing ourselves to explore our imaginations and envision new possibilities, we can create a brighter, more engaging future for ourselves, which will create a more relatable and inclusive society.
The next time you find your mind wandering, embrace it. Allow yourself to daydream, to imagine, and to dream big. Who knows what incredible ideas and innovations may arise from the power of your imagination? If Ru can do it, why not you?
Thank you for reading, until next time. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this article or suggest topics for upcoming articles at RyanRockfordNYC@gmail.com.
