Horror flick or self-sabotage?

Living in the Washington, DC area means we're in proximity to a lot of weird and wild things, Glitterbomb. Sure we've got politics and tourism and mediocre sports teams. But we also have a history of violence and revolution and swampy murkiness.

We have a lot of ghosts.

And we have, notably, one demon. William Peter Blatty's novel, The Exorcist, was inspired by the actual exorcism of a young boy from a city in Maryland (adjacent to DC) in 1949. Later adapted into a prestige film, Blatty fictionalized the story of a child plagued by a mysterious illness that modern medicine couldn't cure (again, it was 1949 and our understanding of mental illness has come a long way), and so the family turned to the church. You generally know how it goes from there from the book or the film: an old priest and a young priest visit the girl and perform a sacrament to exorcise the demon within. She's cured and goes on to lead a healthy, normal life.

I love this movie. I'm a SUCKER for anything with an exorcism in it.

And medicine and religion aside, it's got me thinking about our inner demons: the things we hold on to from our past experiences that are preventing us from moving forward. The things that we allow to self-sabotage us, either consciously or unconsciously.

To close our Spooky Month, I bring you my at-home exorcism recipe.

If you've ever have that haunting feeling like something from your past is holding you back, disrupting your progress and success... well, glitterbomb, you’ve been possessed by a demon. One named Self-Sabotage.

Self-sabotage is the act of unconsciously or intentionally undermining your goals, aspirations, or well-being. It results in behavior like procrastination, self-doubt, negative self-talk, avoidance, or engaging in counterproductive habits.

We all know that giving your demon a name gives it power. Here are some ways to reclaim that power, and exorcize the stuff that’s preventing you from getting what you want.

Give it a name (but don’t say it out loud)

Before you can banish your inner demons, you need to identify them. Self-sabotage comes in many forms, and it can be sneaky. It might manifest in ways or places where you least expect it. Take a moment to reflect on this week: what self-sabotaging behaviors or thought patterns do you notice? These are the baddies we're dealing with.

Uncover the Root Causes

Just like horror stories often have their origins rooted in the past, self-sabotage often finds its roots in our own history. Past experiences, traumas, or limiting beliefs can haunt us, influencing our choices and actions. It's time to shine a light on these dark corners. What events or beliefs may be fueling these behaviors?

Confront Those Bitches

Now that you've identified your demons and uncovered their origins, it's time to confront them head-on. This is where the real hard work begins, so protect your squishy nugget center. Setting clear goals, practicing self-compassion, and challenging negative thought patterns can be your sharpest weapons against self-sabotage. A coach or therapist can sidekick you when you want additional support.

Banish Them To Hell

With practice and the right tools, you can banish your inner demons. You too can transform from a haunted soul to a confident, empowered individual by asking this one, big question: what’s the worst that can happen if I truly let this go?

Embrace Transformation

Conquering self-sabotage is a transformative journey. It's about liberating yourself from the shackles of self-doubt and fear. The process may not always be linear, and setbacks can occur. However, with perseverance and continued self-awareness, you will emerge victorious. I believe in you.

Your demons don’t need to possess you forever. By identifying, understanding, and confronting self-sabotage, you can retake control of your life's narrative. You’ll start feeling more confident in your abilities and decisions. You'll develop a more positive self-image and a greater sense of self-worth. You’ll become more receptive to new experiences and challenges.