"It’s a metaphor see: You put the killing thing right between your teeth but you don’t give it the power to do its killing"

This quote is all about control and facing our fears head-on. It's saying that you can hold something dangerous or harmful close to you, but as long as you don't let it have power over you, it can't hurt you. Imagine a tiger in a cage—it's right there, snarling, but as long as you hold the key, it's not going to get out and attack.

When this quote was said, it was in John Green's novel *The Fault in Our Stars*. The character Augustus Waters uses it to explain why he holds an unlit cigarette in his mouth. He's giving a big "screw you" to cancer, which took away his leg, and cigarettes, which are a symbol of cancer. By putting the unlit cigarette between his teeth, he's confronting his fear without letting it control him.

Let’s break it down with a real-life example. Think about public speaking. It’s one of the most common fears out there. You step up to the podium, your heart is racing, your palms are sweaty. But you’ve got your speech—your safety net. You take a deep breath and start talking. The fear is there, but you’ve got a hold on it. You're acknowledging its presence, yet you're not letting it stop you.

Now, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start small. Identify something that scares you or something that you think has power over you. Then, find a way to confront it without giving it control. Let’s say you’re afraid of failure. Instead of avoiding risks, take on small challenges that have a manageable risk of failure. If you fail, reflect, learn, and move on. You’re putting that “killing thing” between your teeth, but not letting it bite.

Here's a story for you. Picture this: Lisa is terrified of flying. She’s avoided it for years, missing out on vacations and work opportunities. One day, she decides she’s had enough. She books a short flight. She's shaking as she boards the plane, gripping the armrests until her knuckles are white. But she’s there. She’s facing her fear. The plane takes off, and she realizes she’s okay. The fear is still there, but she didn’t let it control her actions. Next time, it gets a bit easier.

Facing what scares you and holding onto control can be incredibly empowering. It’s not about never being afraid again—that’s unrealistic. It’s about recognizing the fear, holding it in your hands, and saying, “You don’t own me.” So next time you’re up against something intimidating, remember Augustus with his unlit cigarette. Hold your metaphorical “killing thing” between your teeth, and don’t give it the power to do its killing. Control it. Don’t let it control you.