I am my own antagonist

Our reader “C” has responded to the latest prompt:

“Imagine your life as a work of fiction. Describe the antagonist, and how you would prevail against them.”

Here is their response:

When I look at my life, I keep trying to pin my struggles or conflicts on someone else, but I’m not sure it’s fair to do so. Ultimately, I’m the one who always gets in my own way.
I could blame things on my father for emotional abuse and his opposing views to my own, or even on the government or society as a whole. That sure sounds easy, given the way our world is looking these days. But really, I think it’s always me that gets in my own way. Even if others have been slight antagonists towards me, I am not just a passive victim of my circumstances. I am my own antagonist. I have control over my reactions to things and how much these people or events affect me, and that’s where I think it turns sideways.
I live my life out of fear. I overthink. I doubt myself. I am my own biggest obstacle. And I do wish I were different. I just can’t seem to get myself to change. Maybe one day I’ll prevail, but for now I’ll keep chipping away at myself bit by bit. They do say people don’t change overnight. Hopefully they’re right.