"モンスターは実在しますし、幽霊も実在します。"

When Stephen King said, "Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too," he wasn’t talking about the creatures from horror movies or the spirits haunting old houses. Instead, he was speaking to the inner demons and past traumas that haunt us all. It’s a reminder that the scariest things are often the ones we carry within, not the ones lurking in the dark.

Think about the times you've faced your own monsters. Maybe it was a crippling fear of failure or a painful memory you couldn’t shake off. These "monsters" and "ghosts" are part of the human experience. King’s words resonate because they acknowledge that these struggles are real and impactful.

Take, for example, the story of a friend of mine, Sarah. She’s an incredible artist, but for years, she battled self-doubt—the monster in her head telling her she wasn't good enough. It wasn't a physical creature with fangs and claws, but it was powerful and terrifying just the same. Sarah’s “ghost” was the memory of a teacher who once told her she had no talent. That ghost lingered, whispering in her ear every time she picked up a paintbrush.

But here’s the thing about monsters and ghosts: they can be faced and overcome. Sarah decided to confront hers. She started small, sharing her art with close friends. The positive feedback was the first step in exorcising that ghost. Gradually, she began posting her work online, and eventually, she held her own exhibition. That monster of self-doubt didn’t vanish overnight, but each step she took diminished its power.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by acknowledging your monsters and ghosts. Pretending they don't exist only gives them more power. Talk about them if you can—confide in a friend or write them down. Once they’re out in the open, they often seem less scary.

Then, take small steps to confront these fears. If you're afraid of public speaking, start by practicing in front of a mirror, then a small group of friends. Gradually, you build up to larger audiences. The key is to face your fears incrementally, proving to yourself that you can handle it.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend, and they’re telling you about a fear that’s been holding them back. Maybe it’s the fear of rejection. You’d probably listen intently, maybe share a similar experience, and offer some encouragement. And that simple act of sharing can be incredibly powerful. It’s the first step in confronting that ghost.

In essence, King’s quote is about recognizing the real struggles we face internally. It’s a gentle nudge to confront those fears, knowing we’re not alone in this. We all have our monsters and ghosts, but we also have the power to face them, one step at a time.