Last night I dreamt that I was in the house I grew up in, but it was decorated differently (very Victorian). A young man I went to college with and have not seen since was keeping me trapped in my old bedroom unbeknownst to all who lived there. I finally came downstairs, shocked the new residents, and found my father and said “Get me out of here now, Dad!” and that’s when I woke up. –Lisa 40, Broadview Heights, OH

Lauri: This dream is not about the house but rather who you were and your state of mind when you lived in that house. You are trapped in your old bedroom because part of you has not been able to move on from and evolve from a certain mind set you had when you lived there. Your old college class mate may be a clue. He either represents that point in time OR he represents a part of YOU that is like him and is holding you back and keeping you in the past. The good news is that you were released and there were new residents in the home, which means you have moved on in waking life. You call for your dad at the end of the dream because it is your inner father, your inner decision maker that will move you forward.

Lisa replies: When I lived at home I felt very stifled and that has held me back in life, but I am getting past it. The college classmate was someone that I liked very much as a friend, but other friends of mine thought he wasn’t “cool” enough. He was very kind, a little nerdy, and helpful and good to everyone. So you’re right—I’m that way too. In fact, I’m that way in all parts of my life, and it is holding me back. Honestly, I’ve been getting fed up with going the extra mile for people just to get dumped on. You’re so right—my dreams are pushing me to get past that mind set, and no longer be a doormat. Thank you, Lauri!