All of this is mental gymnastics. Exteriorize from the mind and watch it. It's very educational. You, the watcher, has choice as to what program you want to focus on. I'd pick the highest frequency one that best serves self and others for happiness unless, of course, you want to experience misery and that is equally as valid.
I would change the Descartes line to I am, I think This world is not a dream but I am one The pain and hardship is real, the joy is real LOVE IS REAL, LIFE IS REALER, FREEDOM IS HERE FOR EVERYONE