Slaying Dragons
"Buzzy, I see one!"
No sooner had the words left Emery's mouth than she was off running across the yard, wand in hand, determined to save us all from the dragon lurking nearby. Her little sister, Autumn, was right behind her, gripping her own magical wand with complete confidence that together we could make the dragon disappear.
Thankfully, our castle was close by.
Every adventure begins the same way. We gather our supplies, which mostly consist of perfectly chosen sticks found in the yard that magically transform into powerful wands. We make sure we know exactly where home base is, and our secret hideout where no dragon can find us. Once we are safely inside our castle, we whisper our plans, peek around corners, and carefully watch for dragons without letting them see us.
When the moment is right, we race into action.
Sometimes the dragons are hiding behind trees. Sometimes they are near the far fence. Other times they seem to appear out of nowhere, requiring us to work together to protect each other and our castle. With a wave of our wands and a little imagination, the dragons disappear. Mission accomplished. Until the next dragon appears.
Watching my granddaughters play reminds me how naturally children understand something many adults forget. They believe they are capable. They don't stop to wonder if they're brave enough. They don't question whether their wand is powerful enough. They simply believe they can do hard things.
Somewhere along the way, many of us lose that confidence. As adults, our dragons look different. They don't breathe fire or have giant wings. Instead, they quietly appear as fear, self doubt, grief, worry, perfectionism, comparison, loneliness, difficult conversations, or the courage it takes to begin again.
Some dragons are easy to recognize. Others quietly settle into our lives until we hardly notice they are there.
The interesting thing about our imaginary game is that we never chase dragons alone. We always go together.
One granddaughter might spot the dragon first while the other reminds us where home base is. Sometimes one leads the charge while the other keeps watch. We encourage one another, protect one another, and celebrate every dragon that disappears.
It makes me think how much easier life becomes when we remember we were never meant to face our dragons alone. One of life's greatest gifts is having people who remind us how strong we really are.
Friends who encourage us when we are afraid. Family members who believe in us before we believe in ourselves. Women who lift one another instead of competing.
Sometimes we are the one holding the wand. Sometimes we are the one reminding someone else where the castle is. Both roles matter.
One of my favorite parts of our game is our secret hideout. It is the one place where the dragons cannot touch us or see us.
As I thought about that, I realized we all need a home base in life. Not necessarily a physical place, although sometimes it is. Home base can be the people who make us feel safe.
It can be our faith.
It can be time spent in nature.
It can be quiet moments of prayer or meditation.
It can be a trusted friend who always answers the phone.
It can even be our own heart when we learn to trust ourselves.
Whatever it is, we all need somewhere to return when life feels overwhelming. A place where we can catch our breath. Regroup, make a plan, and gather the courage to step back into the world.
I also love that our dragons are never defeated with anger. They simply disappear. There is something beautiful about that. Real life doesn't always require us to fight harder.
Sometimes it asks us to stand taller.
To speak more honestly.
To set healthier boundaries.
To choose peace instead of people pleasing.
To say no without guilt.
To ask for help.
To believe we are worthy.
Those are the dragons worth slaying. Not with force, but with courage, with grace, with perseverance, and with love.
As I watch Emery and Autumn running through the yard with complete confidence that together they can protect their castle, I find myself quietly hoping they carry that belief into adulthood.
I hope they remember they are stronger than fear. I hope they know they never have to face life's dragons by themselves. I hope they continue surrounding themselves with people who cheer them on, remind them of their worth, and hand them a wand when theirs feels a little shaky.
And perhaps, without even realizing it, that's what our little game has been about all along. Not pretending dragons exist. But reminding two little girls that courage does. Because life will always place dragons in our path. Some will be small. Others will feel enormous. But every single one gives us an opportunity to discover just how brave we really are.
So the next time fear appears at your doorstep, remember your own home base. Gather the people who love you, pick up your courage, trust your heart, and take the next step forward.
Because the most meaningful victories in life aren't found in never meeting dragons. They're found in discovering that you were always strong enough for slaying dragons.
xo, Sheryl
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