An Ode to My Cage

****Since I've been dealing with a lot of fear, brought on by stepping out of my comfort zone, I thought I'd take time to actually thank the cage I kept myself in. Because the only way I'll move through the fear is to recognize what it did for me at the time and tell my cage it's no longer needed. Hope you enjoy 😊 ****


Maybe I'll start by thanking you. For so many years, you kept me safe. You truly threw up walls for me and didn't let me experience the so called "perils" life had to offer. Yeah sure, from time to time I'd try to escape, but your words and warnings about the world always proved to be true. I'd tuck my tail between my legs and come on back, closing the cage door behind me.
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At times you were a comfort, holding me and keeping me sane when I felt my world was falling apart. I could cling to your rules, your rigidity, and your edicts. I knew I'd be okay if I always played by your rules. You know, I tried your ways for so long, that they became my own, whether I wanted them or not.
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Even now, as the cage door is open, I tentatively take my first steps out in the sunlight, and I hear your words. In the past, those harsh remarks make me want to run back inside. But, now, your words aren't working. Your shouts are getting louder, the insults and fear mongering keep pelting me. But, I will not let them get inside my head anymore. I trust myself. I trust my life. I trust my intuition to guide me to the things/people/experiences I need in my life. You no longer need to dictate my life for me.
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I appreciate your concerns. I hear your fear. But, I wonder if it's more about you than it really is about keeping me safe? It it more about Keeping me from harms way?
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If it is more about you, I just want to express my sympathy. I've been so mad at you for so many years, thinking you were an evil tyrant who wanted to control my every move. My heart hurts for the pain you must feel working so hard to keep me truly stuck so you can feel good about yourself. Your walls aren't the comfort they once were to me. In fact, they feel like sandpaper or an itchy wool sweater which just never felt right. They just don't fit anymore.
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I choose to live my life and do what feels good to me, including the food choices I make, the supplements I decide to put on/in my body, and the creative outlets I exercise. I'm blossoming and growing, you just aren't a part of it anymore.

Have you ever kept yourself in a "cage" of sorts? How did you "escape"? I'd love to hear your thoughts...we can support each other as we take our steps forward toward freedom. ❤️️