For any child who believes there are monsters in the closet, there are.

Last night I had a dream about a figurative monster that was trying to “get me.” To defend myself, I rallied people I trust around me so that they could help me fight it, but felt confused when they started to befriend my perceived enemy.

With reluctancy, I decided to entertain the idea that my figurative monster may not be threatening. And as I slowly put away my weapons and approached with caution, my monster did not change form, but my perceived threat started to evaporate.

The monsters we create are unique to us. If we can feel safe enough to slowly remove our defenses and approach at our own pace, we may be surprised to discover that the threat is most powerful when we avoid or fight it. Either way, for the person who believes there is a monster in the closet, there is.