Eleven: “The Call of Life”

“The Call of Life”: 30 × 30 × 1.5 inches

Things had been progressing well for Ansel but one morning he suddenly woke with a start, the familiar dread clawing at his chest. The intrusive thoughts, like relentless whispers, began to weave their dark tapestry. You're not good enough. Failure is inevitable.

He'd been trapped in this cycle for years, a prisoner of his own mind. But today was different. He'd made a vow, a promise to himself. No more hiding. No more letting fear dictate his life. No more allowing an unwelcome companion to occupy mind space rent free. He WILL answer the call of life and will awaken, arise and attack each day.

“The Call of Life”: 30 × 30 × 1.5 inches

He took a deep breath, the cool morning air filling his lungs. He'd faced these demons before, and he would face them again. With each breath, he pushed back the intrusive thoughts, replacing them with shimmering hope.

Ansel rose from bed, his movements deliberate. He dressed, ate, and stepped outside. The world was bathed in sunlight, a stark contrast to the gloom within his mind. He began to walk, each step a victory over doubt.

“The Call of Life”: 30 × 30 × 1.5 inches

As he began his day, he encountered challenges – a ridiculous line at the coffee shop, a missed bus, no seats available on the bus he caught. In the past, these perceived slights would have sent him spiraling. But now, he faced them with a newfound energy and resilience. He saw them not as obstacles, but as opportunities to grow.

With each challenge overcome, his confidence grew. The intrusive thoughts still lingered, but on this day, they no longer held power over him. He had awakened, arisen, and answered the call of life, no matter what it threw his way.