I went on a monster hunt with the most adorable 4-year-old boy the other day.

Apparently, my backyard is infested with them, so, armed with a sword and measuring cups + spoons (not sure why, but they were essential), we set out to remedy the problem.

I never actually saw one of these scary creatures, but they were plainly visible to Angus. He led the way and zeroed in on them with amazing precision. Under his direction, I had to skewer the first one, and when he was satisfied we moved on. After that, he confidently took over the sword.

His innocence was riveting, as was the serious expression each time he “found” another monster and whispered, “Shhhh.” The world is magnificent and mesmerizing through the eyes of a child.

I haven’t done this for a while. Memories of monster hunts with my own children came flooding back: striding through our creek, duly outfitted in wellies, sticks in hand and spirits bolstered by confident proclamations of inevitable success.

It’s tragic that I’d forgotten the magic of these days gone by with my own kids. Only temporarily, thanks to Angus.

For the last few years, I’ve been engaged with REAL monsters, or so I have chosen to think. I wish I could skewer them with a knife sharpener and make them disappear the way Angus does.

Just. Like. That.

Watching him slay these imaginary creatures and boldly move on to the next one got me thinking about the things I have been scared of in my life (OK, in my head) and how much power this has had over me.

Truthfully, these shadowy entities of “what if” and “maybe” began much the way the monsters did that Angus imagined in my yard. But because I never addressed them head on, with a sword or just simple examination, they morphed. Pockets of fear became caverns of space that I avoided, and then entire landscapes of life unexplored, eventually limiting my entire experience of being alive.

At long last, I am finding the courage to peer in the dark corners and ferret out the monsters therein.

Blessed are the 4 year olds who have yet to discover the real world. And blessed are we who finally discover that the real world exists in any way we choose to define it, with or without monsters.

Have you gone monster hunting lately? Be inspired by the courageous Angus and dare to take a few of them down.

-db

Who is Dianna Bonny?

Hi, my name is Dianna Bonny. It’s my mission to candidly share my journey with you. For me, it’s all about the healing: to create a radiant healing energy for others who have befallen a similar fate. Together, we can forge beautiful lives of belonging and connection. Thanks for joining me today! I look forward to hearing from you.