Thursday, October 8, 2026
Jim Carey once wrote himself a check for $10 million for “acting services rendered,” when he could barely afford the basics. He went to a secluded spot and wouldn’t leave until he believed. Not long after, he was cast in a movie for $10 million.
Does believing go from “That’ll be the day,” to “That would be nice,” to “I can’t believe this is happening!” When does reality become believable? After you disbelieve reality?
When you have a dream, you say “That’ll be the day,” and when the dream materializes, you’re awestruck. Do you doubt your doubt, then? The moment you want to become that guy who earns $10 million – sarcastically, that’ll be the day. When Carey got paid for “acting services rendered,” I’m sure he was dumbfounded. Ironically, that first movie was called “Dumb and Dumber.”
Last year, I snapped a photo of myself. My trainer’s male clients have to post shirtless pics in an app for progress reports. “Magically,” I had abs, the v-line, pecs and delts and biceps. I had quads and lats. It was me – lean. A swimmer’s physique at 50. The photo seemed surreal. I couldn’t believe it. Prior, I had a hard time believing that I could. Me with a swimmer’s physique? That’ll be the day!
Belief is unbelievable. When visions materialize before your eyes, there’s a catch – before your eyes (as in, before your eyes see them). Remember this: before and after are both unbelievable. In Carey’s case, he saw it twice – once on a fake check, the other on a “real” one – both undoubtedly surreal.
Does the brain know the so-called difference between surreal and real?
From “That’ll be the day” to “I can’t believe this is actually happening.” From doubt to doubt, dreams live despite.
Is it all too good to be true?
I highly doubt it. That’s “too” surreal.