Overcoming demons

The war ends. You gaze at the sun setting over a lush green, and peaceful plain, your weapon still in hand, victorious. An overwhelming sense of tranquility envelops your entire being. None of your demons can harm you any longer. They all perished in the battles you led. […]

The demons I am describing can take on many forms.

– Fear. One causes you to freeze when it is time to make an important decision, while another grips you by the throat when you need to speak in front of someone you care about.

– Bad habits.    – Negative thoughts.    – Regrets.    – Stupid decisions.

The fight is intense. Overwhelming you to the point where your only escape is to flee and take refuge in front of chocolate cookies, snuggled under the warm blanket. The next day unfolds just the same. You show up in front of the relentless army of demons that gnaw at you bit by bit, and you, distraught, let it happen. What else could you do? When you manage to kill one with sheer strength, others quickly take its place. It never seems to come to an end.

Although real life may not resemble a battle against demons, I find the imagery appealing. After all, demons are the obstacles that hinder us from seeing the stunning sunset over the lush green peaceful plains, just as “problems” (- to generalize) are the obstacles that prevent us from enjoying the beautiful moments that unfold in the present.

Winning the fight is no picnic. It requires an immense commitment on your part and a genuine desire to defeat your demons. It may take weeks to sharpen your blade well enough so that the massive demon you have battled for years finally succumbs. You might need to learn how to forge a suit of armor capable of withstanding the demons’ blows. A friend may guide you through the process of successfully beating another.

And that’s how you make them fall, one after another. By acquiring sufficient resources, you shape the battle to your advantage. Little by little, you become the one in control. Demons no longer instill fear in you, and the few that remain standing bow their heads as you pass.

[…] You take a moment to look around. You notice a beautiful orange flower at your feet. You realize that you have never taken the time to examine this piece of nature more closely. Bathed in the warm glow of the golden hour, you know that the sun is setting. This is the first sunset you will ever have the chance to admire. It brings a smile to your face.