Help a noob out, will you?

Hey guys,

Here's the deal: I've become lucid 4 times I think over the past few months, but I never seem to be able to control the dream or make anything happen :( Then I just get frustrated and eventually slip back into dream state. I'm pretty good with dream journals, but I forget to reality check often. Any tips on how to make lucid dreams occur more often and please tell me how to control them. I also tried DIELDing this morning when I naturally woke since I realized I hadn't moved, and I felt sleep paralysis but my mind did not fully leave consciousness. Thank you for taking the time to read my post :), I would be very grateful if you would respond.

It is possible to over think about LDing. Try not trying to go lucid for a few days, and focus on reality checking and dream recall instead.

Focus on relaxing your mind before bed, and tuning it to your surroundings throughout the day--weather it be sounds, people, the shape of things. Try to stay in touch with what you're observing and question it's reality.

If your recall is good the next few days, try to pick up on any reoccurring objects/places/people. If you LD again, don't try so hard to do anything, but rather go with your dream the first few times. Awareness is key. Control will come after. Good luck-