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3 Stories From My Life of Stepping Out From Life’s Invisible Cage
We are all living in a cage with an open door
We often live trapped in the cage of our own mind — unaware the door is always open. Realizing this was one of the most profound moments of my life.
The metaphor of being in a cage reflects the limitations we impose on ourselves. These “cages” aren’t always obvious. They’re formed by cultural norms, family expectations, and the beliefs we internalize over time. Whether we’re aware of them or not, they quietly shape our decisions and narrow our paths.
But here’s the truth: the cage isn’t locked. We just have to realize we’re inside it — and that we can step out.
Below are 3 stories from my life when I realized the door was open — and chose to step through it. It has changed the trajectory of my life.
Story #1: Co-nesting after Divorce
On a crisp November evening, I sat quietly in a neighborhood park, sipping my tea. I watched my 7-year-old son grow smaller in the distance as he walked toward the parking lot, hand in hand with his dad — my then-husband. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I sat there, overwhelmed and confused, silently hoping no one in the park would notice me crying.
