Oh, It’s You Again.

I lay in the grass, the sun shining on my face, listening to the leaves rustle in the wind, when a shadow crossed my face. I opened my eyes expecting to see clouds. Instead of witnessing a cumulus parade traipsing across the afternoon sky, I was irritated to see the shadow’s source. It was being cast by Doubt.

It had been a long while since my world was shrouded by Doubt. Up until this moment, I had been successfully keeping it at bay. Sometimes I fended it off using facts, other times incorporating fantasy. But either way, for many months now, I was preventing Doubt from pulling a chair up to the table.

Somehow, I had allowed it to creep back into my life. I don’t remember lowering my defenses, but I must have. I knew that Doubt hadn’t learned its lesson and moved on to someone else, so I always kept watch. I understand that Doubt can be patient, blending into the chaos or lingering among the calm. It has no expiration date. It has no deadline. It will bide its time until it can secure a foothold. Once it takes root, Doubt will subsequently overwhelm your happiness before dissolving your dreams.

Understanding Doubt’s modus operandi, it was imperative I confront this intruder without delay. The time is now to banish it back to the periphery where I can monitor it from afar and deal with any advancement before Doubt has the chance to encroach on my inner sanctum.

I will summon the wisdom gained from the previous battles I’ve had with Doubt. Even the earlier ones that resulted in defeat were learning experiences. So, now I am well-prepared for this encounter. I know I’m ready for the skirmish and expect a positive result. I’ll also be on the ready in case Fear joins the fracas. When I emerge victorious, I will smile and then go back to enjoying the sun on my face.