As a little girl I use to watch scary movies every now and then. I remember two things would happen; (1) someone peeped into the closet (or basement) to discover a monster hiding there or (2) someone got in the closet to hide from the monster. Either way closets have gotten their fair share of bad raps!
Deep dark secrets become the closet where you go to and hide. If anyone knew would they like me? Am I the only one in the world with this issue, you might ask. More often than not, despite our unique differences, there are bound to be others who have had similar experiences that you have had or are experiencing.
Getting out of the closet and up from the basement of your life may have repercussions. It is important therefore, to seek professional help, whether it is medical, mental health, legal issues, etc. These resources can guide you to a better understanding of your life circumstances and may be the help that you need.
Too often however we allow the monster in our life to grow big because we have not learned to face the monster and then let it go from our lives. When you expose the monster you might see a new lease on life. Charles A. Beard said, “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars” while Robert Alden declared, “there is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle” (Cook, 1993, p. 424).
Below are ways that you might conquer the monster and come into the light:
(1) Know that everyone (including you) cannot escape being in the valley, better known as down in the dumps, at some time in life. It is called living.
(2) Expose what’s ailing you. Talk to appropriate people who can support your well-being by providing information that will be helpful to you and not a hindrance.
(3) You are not alone in this world so be careful not to isolate yourself.
(4) Utilize the darkness for rest and rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit.
(5) Use negative emotions (fear, anger, frustration, boredom, etc.) as a barometer of what is going on in your life that needs to change!
(6) Critical self-reflection can help you change. You must however take off your mask of deception, remove the rose-colored glasses that tells you everything is going well when it is not, and open your eyes, hears, and heart to the truth.
Once you come out of the darkness and into the light be authentic (the real you). Promote peace and contentment in your life and surround yourself as much as possible with the energy of goodness that comes from people, places, and things that bring well-being to you. Conquer that monster and bring it to light!
Reference:
Cook, J. (1993). The rubicon dictionary of positive, motivational, life-affirming & inspirational quotations. Newington, CT: Rubicon Press, Inc.
