Quote of 2024, thus far, and one that will get a lot of mileage.

C.S. Lewis's profound statement, is a powerful reminder of the role we play in our own suffering. It's a vivid illustration of how, often, the turmoil and agony we experience are not imposed upon us by external forces but are a result of our own making. Personally, I think it boils down to: radical responsibility.

Embracing radical responsibility is like discovering that the key to our self-made prison has been in our possession all along. It's an empowering and daunting realisation. We're the victim and author of our narrative. The flames of despair that we perceive around us are, in truth, fuelled by our actions, choices, and perceptions.

However, this isn't a bleak outlook. On the contrary, it's a liberating one. Recognising our role in creating our 'hell' also means acknowledging our power to extinguish it. The moment we understand this, a transformative process begins. We're no longer trapped in a cycle of blame and helplessness. Instead, we become agents of change in our own lives.

The journey out of this inferno starts and ends with us. It's about acknowledging our mistakes, learning from them, and making conscious choices to do better. By doing so, we not only free ourselves from the chains of our own making but also open up pathways to healing and growth.

In essence, the gates of hell may indeed be locked from the inside, but we've always had the key. It's about choosing to use it.