I don’t want to offend you or anything, but is this for real – an advice column for vampire slayers? Aren’t you talking about, well…a sort of specialized audience?
No offense taken. And, to answer your question, I think it all depends on how you define the word “vampire.” I mean, if you’re thinking sharp fangs, pale skin, and silly accents, then what you’re probably talking about are classical vampires – like Dracula. But… if you’re thinking hurt feelings, drained energy, and stolen property, then what I think you’re talking about are practical vampires – like the kind that show up in our lives every day. Fortunately for us, both are evicted from our lives in the same way: with clear and precise revocations…and always in the light.
Whether they come in the shape of critical spouses, ungrateful employers, backstabbing friends, or even neighbors who just won't leave us alone, most of us have vampires that feed on us, but no clear plan for getting them off our necks. Practical vampire slaying is about learning how to recognize these bloodsuckers and decide what we want to do about them. And then we can whittle the stake that works, whether or not we choose to use it.
"Biting Back takes a compelling look at self-care, setting boundaries, and protecting ourselves from friends, loved ones, enemies, and sometimes even ourselves. Written in a page-turning and warm style, Claudia’s refreshing addition to the self-help shelves offers empowering solutions to effectively remind us to stop inviting troubleinto our homes and souls." -- MELODY BEATTIE, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF CODEPENDENT NO MORE
2 comments:
Hey Slayer
Which was (or is ) your worst vampire?
Sincerely
Sister Slayer
This was such a great question I had to think about it for days! For me the most effective vampires (with the most painful bites) are those who collaborate with my inner vampires (the self-critical, mean-talking voices in my head) -- so it could be a controlling boyfriend or even a manipulative girlfriend who spots an insecurity I have and exploits it. This is why "being in the light" is so important for us. If we are hiding from our own insecurites (keeping them "in the dark") a hungry vampire will be able to spot them easily (vampires can see in the dark!).
Kind of a huge subject...this idea of staying in the light and using what we like to call "spiritual garlic." I'll try to post something about it this week. THANKS!!
Post a Comment