Copy of Copy of Exploring the Concept of Wish Fulfillment in 2026

Wish fulfillment has long been a fascinating topic in psychology, spiritually, literature, and popular culture. It refers to the satisfaction or realization of desires, dreams, or hopes, often through imagination, fantasy, or external circumstances. As we move deeper into 2026, it is worth examining how the idea of wish fulfillment is evolving in our rapidly changing, chaotic and troubling world. This post explores wish in the New Year and how our heart and mind manifest.

Symbolic representation of wish fulfillment in 2026

What Does Wish Fulfillment Mean To You?

Wish fulfillment is not just about daydreaming or hoping for something better. It often serves as a psychological mechanism that helps us cope with reality by imagining scenarios where our desires come true. Let's face it, most of us are trying to move through these disturbing times with our sanity intact. I have had the same wish fulfillment for years now. For example: I tap, affirm, ask spirit and guides to lead me to a connection where I successfully manifest the publishing of my book and on an emotional level, I desire a true love match. In fact the holidays can be triggering for millions, including me. Every holiday season, I will say please, dear God, let me be connected to my love and life partner before the holidays next year. Without kids, family, or a partner it's a lonely time for me. That said, I will carry on with my faith in wish fulfillment. This can happen in many ways:

• Dreams and fantasies: People imagine ideal situations that provide comfort or motivation. I am someone who daydreams throughout the day and often find myself losing time staring out the window at trees, flowers, and my hummingbirds at the feeders with my secret hopes.

• Creative expression: Art, writing, and storytelling allow us to explore our wishes in a safe space. This could also include painting, walking in nature, or singing.

• Goal setting: Turning wishes into achievable objectives helps people work toward fulfilling their desires. That said, research has shown that many people state resolutions/goals for the New Year, only to discover that the momentum lasts a few months creating disappointment.

  
  

In 2026, wish fulfillment still plays a vital role in mental health and personal growth. However, the

ways people experience and pursue it have changed significantly due to new technologies and cultural shifts. Below is what research has shown, which more likely suit a younger generation. I'm old school when it comes to this and feel that it's a personal exercise better expressed in a journal or spoken out loud in nature, by the sea, the sound of rushing water, or even in the bathtub. I have come across creative gen Z & X who still believe in the exercise of personal creativity over AI generated content and social media

• Virtual worlds: VR platforms allow users to live out scenarios that were once only possible in their imagination, such as traveling to planets or living in a fantasy realm. - This seems like a cautionary tale to me.

• AI companions: Advanced AI can simulate conversations and relationships, providing emotional support or companionship that fulfills social wishes. - Human interaction beats AI any day of the week

• Personalized content: Algorithms curate media and experiences tailored to individual preferences, making wish fulfillment more accessible and immediate. - To me, meditating, writing and other creative pursuits focus on wish fulfillment as a sacred activity

  
  

These technologies blur the line between reality and fantasy, raising questions about the psychological effects of prolonged immersion in wish-fulfilling environments.

Social and Cultural Influences on Wish Fulfillment

In addition to technology, social and cultural factors shape how people perceive and pursue their wishes. In 2026, several trends stand out:

• Focus on well-being: There is growing awareness of mental health, encouraging people to seek wish fulfillment as part of self-care and happiness. The entire world needs to be focused on well-being to simply survive the evil doings facing all of us.

• Community and connection: Shared experiences and collective goals often enhance the sense of wish fulfillment, as people find meaning in belonging. There are workshops, support groups, vision boards, women's groups, writing groups, men's groups to find empowering connection by sharing and gaining insight from others.

• Sustainability and ethics: Wishes increasingly reflect concerns about the environment and social justice, with many aiming for fulfillment that benefits others and the planet.

  
  

These influences mean that wish fulfillment is no longer just a personal or escapist activity but can be a force for positive change.

Challenges and Risks of Wish Fulfillment in 2026

While wish fulfillment offers many benefits, it also presents challenges:

• Escapism: Excessive reliance on fantasy or virtual experiences can lead to neglect of real-life responsibilities and relationships. I'm guilty of feeling discouraged and even betrayed by certain wish fulfillments I've been seeking to manifest for decades even.

• Unrealistic expectations: Media and technology sometimes create idealized images that are

  hard to achieve, causing frustration or disappointment. Society can offer grand or even beautiful situations that are realistically unobtainable. This is why I have great resistance to spiritual concepts that guarantee you'll get everything you want if you follow the practice. Example: I Am God, Conversations With God, and so forth.

• Privacy and ethics: AI and data-driven personalization raise concerns about manipulation and loss of autonomy in shaping desires. I personally have an aversion to personal, even painful excruciating experiences out into the world for all to see. However, I will post views on the worse administration run by corruption, fascist rule, cruelty, sexual predators, cover up for trump and other pedophiles in the Epstein files profiting by the billions off the position, ripping families apart without due process, pardoning hardened criminals... on and on. I was raised to speak out and stand up for what's right. My wish fulfillment is to see justice and accountability by impeaching the convicted criminal and ALL people protest the fall of American Democracy and decency.

  
  

There is a sentiment that comes across cliche because it's over used: Practice Daily Gratitude - Yes, gratitude is important and there are thousands of books written on the subject. I make a concerted effort to say what I'm thankful for first thing in the morning, even if one beautiful things come to mind.

Keep on swimming through life,

Valerie Anne