Hollywood has produced villains as evil and merciless as the inconspicuously named Cruella de Vil, or perhaps Jafar and the Joker, yet none can rival this subtle yet debilitating force which lives in countless homes, minds and hearts around the world. And oftentimes, we are tragically unaware. This hidden force does not surrender its victims easily and is as stubborn as it is undetectable. It won’t stop until it has your job, your marriage, your family, and ultimately, your mind. It is insatiable in its appetite. It has the most colourful and creative mind, telling tales and creating scenarios that will paralyse you. It is an unending struggle to battle the at times soothing, at times persuasive voice that sounds just like your own mind. Slinking around it whispers convincingly, “what will people think?” It steals dancing from the feet of children. It keeps adults on a leash, only permitting them to be ‘free’ when they have ...