When I was ten years old, I went on a camping trip with my family. We drove for hours to get to the campsite, and I was so excited to sleep in a tent and roast marshmallows over the fire.

The first night, everything was great. We had hot dogs for dinner and made s’mores for dessert. But when it was time to go to bed, I started to feel scared. The woods were so dark and quiet, and I could hear strange noises outside.

I tried to ignore it and go to sleep, but I just couldn’t. Every time I closed my eyes, I imagined bears and wolves and all sorts of scary creatures coming to get me.

Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. I woke up my mom and told her I was too scared to sleep. She hugged me and told me everything was going to be okay. Then she gave me a flashlight and told me to shine it around the tent to see that there was nothing to be afraid of.

I did as she said, and sure enough, there was nothing there. Just trees and rocks and the occasional rustling of leaves in the wind. I felt a little better, but I still couldn’t shake the feeling of fear.

So my mom came up with a plan. She told me to imagine a force field around our tent, like in a sci-fi movie. Nothing could get through it, not even the scariest monsters. And if I ever felt scared again, all I had to do was imagine that force field and I would be safe.

It worked like a charm. I fell asleep feeling protected and secure, and I didn’t wake up until the sun was shining through the trees. From then on, I had a great time on our camping trip, and I even started to enjoy the quiet of the woods at night.

Now, whenever I feel scared or anxious, I still imagine that force field around me. It reminds me that I am strong and capable of facing my fears, and that I am always safe and protected.