Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

What does it take to get us to face our demons? Paul Newman's demon in this film.... believing a lie about his wife and best friend? Or knowing the truth that he shut out his best friend in his friend's hour of need?
Skipper's demon: that in himself he was nothing.
Big Daddy's: that he was not going to live forever.
Facades. Clouds of deceit... mists of misrepresentation, smothering the heart and vital life out of them all.
Feb 2, 1997

It is hardship, not ease, that tests our character and helps us to grow. Not all survive the tests of life. Some become hardened. Others are broken and flattened out. But others, and this is within our grasp, become wiser, stronger, with a sense of accomplishment at having overcome the various obstacles we must surmount.

The vital joy of positive self esteem comes not from self talk, but from achievement. When we climb a mountain, then look back and see the valley below with its shadows and confusion, we feel good about ourselves. But first, we must face our demons.... or rather, face the truth about ourselves. Hence, the well worn maxim that self understanding is the essential foundation for personal growth that we might become all we're meant to be.