Becoming Sirius Black: Azkaban Escapee #MNBHP

It was as if someone had lit a fire in my head, and the dementors couldn’t destroy it…It wasn’t a happy feeling…it was an obsession…but it gave me strength, it cleared my mind.”

PoA

The traditional way to repel a Dementor attack is through the use of the Patronus, which is fueled by one powerful, happy memory. However, Sirius, finds another way. He overcomes the effect of the dementors and breaks free of them not because of a happy thought, but because of an obsession—saving Harry.

My mom always tells me that a busy mind is a happy mind. I’ve found this, for the most part, to be true. When my mind is focused on a task outside of myself, an “obsession” so to say, like helping friends move, volunteering on a community project, cleaning a friend’s house to help her out, etc., I find that I am happier. I am able to overcome whatever problems would eat at my mind if I were just sitting around thinking about all that is wrong with my life. I am able to repel the attacks of dementors without a wand or the ability to produce a Patronus.

CHALLENGE:

I’m not saying all problems or depressions can be overcome easily. If you feel you are depressed, seek out professional help. However, if you merely find you are stuck in the mud, a little downtrodden, and you’re ready to be an Azkaban Escapee like Sirius, find an obsession. A good obsession. One that is not about you as much as it is about “saving” others. Join a volunteer organization, a charity you believe in, or just do something really nice for a friend or family member. The point is to escape Azkaban by giving yourself a reason to live that is outside of yourself.

How are you going to escape Azkaban? Share your answer with us using #MNBHP.

Next Week: Becoming Ginny Weasley: Valentine’s Day Reject