Dementors and Dumbledor

A Visit to Hogwarts Castle During a family vacation.

My kids love the Harry Potter series.  

I love the Harry Potter series.  

What particularly struck me was the symbolism of the dementors and Dumbledore. 

For those of you who are not familiar with the series, the dementors  represent all of the dark things in life.  In fact, if you get too near a dementor, every good feeling and  happy memory gets  sucked out of you.   

Dumbledore, on the other hand, represents wisdom and goodness and love and kindness.  He brings out the best in those around him and he inspires others by believing in them.   

This got me to thinking about the dementors and Dumbledores in my own life.    

I quickly realized that over the course of my life, I have slowly but surely eliminated the dementors from my inner circle of family and friends.  I realized that the people that had drained me and left me feeling unsure and insecure were no longer welcomed.   

I now surround myself with Dumbledores and Rons, Hermiones, Lunas and  Nevilles (best friends who support and love).  When a dementor comes along, I simply allow it to pass on its way. 

So…who are the dementors and Dumbledores in your life? 

PS.  My youngest daughter recently told me that I’m her Dumbledore…how about that? 

P.P.S. I’m pretty sure, however, that my teenage daughter thinks I’m her personal dementor! 

Yup.  Life always seeks a balance.