We like to have backup plans as they empower us to act with levity in the moment knowing we have an out when the going gets tough.

Our consumerism-centric society plays into the commoditization of our relationships. Is your smartphone broke? It may be cheaper to buy a new one. Does your grandmother still use a microwave from the 60’s? Mine does. Our manufacturing methods have optimized speed of delivery over quality and durability, and our relationships have followed.

At some point in a relationship, pleasantries and prudences fade, inner darkness surfaces, and challenges must be overcome. If left unattended, the elephants of darkness will grow into painful sources of fear and resentment capable of rotting even the strongest of relationships without attention.

Get. It. Out. In Stephen King’s “IT” series, there are moments where belittling the monster verbally will actually thwart its power over the protagonists. We all have an it inside buried somewhere we hope to never trip over and disturb from its ancient slumber. Our potential for chaos is stored in the crevices of our fears. Ignoring our fears make the monster grow hungrier and more powerful, making the battle for our better self darker and more perilous.