But it’s easy to get distracted. It’s easy to feel weighed down by burdens, get caught up in drama, believe the gossip we hear, grow disillusioned as we watch the news, feel depressed by setbacks, let our inner critic get the best of us. Soon, we start believing the hype and attracting like-minded people into our lives because misery loves company.
I was thinking about this last night, as Ryder and I were reading Harry Potter {the kid is suddenly and wonderfully obsessed with these books!}. Right now, we’re reading a lot about Dementors – dark and demented beings that have tricked many people into thinking their harmless…even helpful. When Professor Lupin reveals the truth about them to Harry, he says:
“Dementors are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth…they drain peace, hope and happiness out of the air around them. Get too near a Dementor and every good feeling, every happy memory will be sucked out of you. If it can, the Dementor will feed on you long enough to reduce you to something like itself.”
Harry has to fend off these energy vampires. And so do we.
In the land of Hogwarts, Dementors cannot be killed – only chased away and kept at bay with a special charm that is the “magical manifestation of good will and happiness.” Same thing in the real world, right? When I notice myself falling prey to shadow thoughts like those I listed above or notice I’m allowing the Debbie Downers I know to influence my outlook on life, I step back and work my charm.
I start counting all the sweet stuff in my midst. The comfy bed, the sturdy walls around me, my kids’ laughter, the things I can afford, friends who lift my spirits, books I love, glorious sunshine, good food to eat, a hubby who makes me coffee before he goes to work, a faithful pup who turns 11 tomorrow, a happy heart.
As I fix my gaze on all those good things, I can’t help but notice more and more throughout my day. And as I reacquaint myself with joy and gratitude, the Dementors fade into the distance. Good riddance.
P.S. This painting is my latest AEDM creation – day 9!
