Monsters Under the Bed

It's a well known fact that monsters live under the bed, right? A dark dusty place where you can't really maneuver - arms pinned to the floor, head tilted sideways. Monsters, with their glow in the dark eyes and triple jointed limbs will have the advantage every time. Even if there aren't any literal monsters there, it's still an unpleasant place to visit. Dust bunnies are real.

Over time, things often get shoved under the bed. An errant sock boldly leads the way. An old unfinished magazine follows. If you are the organized sort, a box of winter sweaters might have an official welcome party when it arrives.

It's the metaphorical monsters that haunt us. And they're down there too. The frustrations of a day. The words you wish you had said. Actions not taken. Insecurities you hide behind laughter during the day. Generalized self doubt. Generic fear of the unknown. These are the monsters that keep me awake some nights.

Over time, these monsters can accumulate faster than dust bunnies. Without doing a major room redecoration and moving out the bed, what's to be done? The vacuum attachment doesn't reach all the way under - where the monsters are definitely hatching nefarious plans with the bunnies.

Sometimes, you just need to man up and crawl under - arms akimbo and head askew. Face the monsters (wear a dust mask to avoid the potential allergy thread from the bunny family). "Yes," you say, "I know I messed up and ignored you. I allowed you to fester. I built all of you up in my mind until you were bigger and scarier than Moth-Ra ever was. I'm sorry, but we need to move on. If found you guys a great bed to haunt over at Salvation Army. Let's go."

Chances are, when you really confront them, examine them, put them under a microscope (and realize that they are all small enough to fit under a microscope easily!), you will see that they aren't so horrible or scary as you thought. Maybe you just got so used to them that you weren't sure how to let go. They will be happy to move on. Living under the bed isn't so great. Ask my cat. They'll be happy for a little sunlight and fresh air. Those dust bunnies were crap conversationalists anyway.

As an added bonus, your trip under the bed might turn up a few forgotten treasures. And we're not talking about that lost sock. Maybe there is a dream or two that you accidently stashed away - misfiled as regret. Gently coax her out. Like a scared cat, she might not trust you at first. Ply her with treats - reminders of the dream. Take her for a walk to see the first buds of spring or just give her a cup of tea. Let her talk. Give her a chance to remember who she was and who she can be now. Her time with the monsters has probably changed her, depending on how long she was down there. Give her a chance to work with you. You could be very happy together. If it isn't a good match anymore, you can always send her off to Salvation Army with the other monsters of what was.