How to Break Free From the Modern-Day Medusa

By Joe Rapoza

You’re petrified!

Trapped by a creature of myth: the Medusa.

She’s frozen you with fear, making you a column of stone.

How do you crack the stony carapace you’re encased within, and regain your freedom of movement?

By facing this Gorgon once and for all!

And, to sever yourself from her gaze forever.

The Medusa may be a creature of myth, but there’s a modern-day Medusa in your midst.

And you’re unaware of the danger she brings.

How she keeps you trapped, isolated, petrified, and alone.

Before I give you the tools to defeat her, I have a short story…

Ever since childhood, I’ve been awestruck by fantastic stories and the symbolism hidden within them.

I’d borrow countless books from my school’s library and immerse myself in far away worlds for hours on end.

I learned of the gods and heroes of Norse legends: Odin, Thor, Baldur, and Freya.

I’d read the tales of Greek myth and legend: Zeus, Hermes, Athena, Hercules, and Perseus.

I was also fascinated by films that brought these fantasy worlds to life. Films like Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, Jason and the Argonauts, and Clash of the Titans.

Fantasy films were my favorites in my pre-teen years, especially anything with huge or mystical beasts: Centaurs, the Pegasus, Cyclopes, and the Kraken.

Clash of the Titans was one of my favorite films, and the story of Perseus’ battle with the Medusa. Medusa was a Gorgon with snakes for hair and eyes that could turn the strongest heroes to stone.

Many years later I sit here reflecting on the meaning of the Medusa, and its rich symbolism that aligns uncannily well with our 21st Century world.

A world with similar dangers and pitfalls if you’re not careful.

But there’s hope for you if you have a curious mind.

First, you must be aware of the modern-day Medusa’s forms: procrastination, inertia, self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and shiny objects.

This is why I bring this to your attention, to expose the corrupting dangers of your foe’s powers.

So, listen closely.

To be aware of the Medusa is step one to steady you for what lies ahead and to put you on your mettle.

You must be alert and knowledgeable of her incredible powers.

Only then can you protect yourself from her gaze.

Second, you must plan for your eventual encounter with her.

Even if you do not seek her, know that Medusa will find you.

Locating where she resides, will ensure that you’re ready to face your fear and not stammer when you set your eyes upon her visage.

Once her eyes trap you, she’ll draw you in.

Her eyes revealing an endless abyss in which you will fall, only to meet her blackened soul which marks your untimely demise.

Third, you must vanquish her as a foe once and for all, and rid her from your world forever!

Either by severing the mantle of fear that she symbolizes, and the stasis it brings.

Or, by becoming immune to her powers of stagnation by forever learning from your repeated failures.

Even when you’re frozen, you have two choices:

• remain frozen, or

• crack away your stone encasement

Only when you’ve passed all three challenges, will you be ready to live in this modern-day world in peace and prosperity without the Gorgon’s ability to subdue you.

Listen closely, as I teach you how to gather weapons from the gods themsleves to help you accomplish these tasks.

Start by knowing. Know she is a threat.

Be aware of her existence and her ability to petrify you. If you’re reading this, consider it done!

Knowing her abilities and powers will better equip you for action. Plan to weave strategies to stay one step ahead of the Medusa, so you don’t fall victim to her alluring gaze.

Turn your strategies into consistent and repeatable actions.

And strike swiftly before she understands your will to survive is stronger than her power to detain you.

Then, and only then, will you become the hero of your story.

Here are the heroic tools required to vanquish this foul beast:

God-Like Knowledge

The modern day world is your gift. Let your curious mind wander freely and take in the knowledge you deserve that surrounds you.

Accept the help and knowledge technology bestows, just like the gifts Perseus received from Apollo and Athena to help him vanquish the Medusa.

Opening a book or a webpage is only step one. Step two is to open your mind.

If you learn, you will unlearn, and re-learn.

This will move you closer to enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the world and people around you.

It will refactor your neural pathways, and build stronger connections to the experiences you’ve already collected.

It will flush out long-standing biases that are holding you hostage.

Be open to this change and your transformation will be inevitable.

Reflective Shielding

Perseus was given Athena’s breastplate as a shield to look upon the Medusa indirectly.

This gave him the ability to see his foe without having to look upon her petrifying gaze.

This allowed him to maneuver freely without losing speed. Seeing indirectly and from obscure angles can be your reflective shielding.

This means using your senses in uncommon ways. It provides a limiting boundary forcing you think differently. It helps provide clarity and focus that you may lack from seeing the obvious.

If you feel stuck — move!

Get away from your current environment and find a new one to reset your mind.

Losing one sense, enhances the others. Start seeing with your inner eye and trust your intuition, your instincts, and your gut reaction.

Severing Sword

In the myth of Perseus’ battle with the Medusa, he’s given a sword by Hermes, one that “can’t be bent or broken by the Gorgon’s scales, no matter how hard they were.”

This is the sword that Perseus uses to sever the Gorgon’s head. In the modern-day world, this sword is represented by your keen will and sharpened determination.

If wielded correctly, this blade will not bend or break your will and it will allow you to pierce the Medusa’s armor.

These are your modern-day, god-bestowed tools for success. Use them wisely, use them to your advantage, and use them daily.

Small and consistent efforts, compounded over time, cuts the path to your destination.

If you only remember one thing, let it be this: when faced with your next problem, your next indecision, your next lack of conviction, challenge the Medusa.

Use these tools and take swift action.

It’s your best hope for success.

Take a chance, and don’t be afraid.

Be well. Be safe. Be the hero of your story.

Peace.

How I can help you:

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Take care.