BIRD IN THE CAGE

Are you a bird in a locked cage?

Are you a bird in a cage with the door open so you can fly in and out?

Are you a bird that is free to fly without a cage? I invite you to ponder this powerful metaphor. Where is your bird?

In 2013 I had a life altering experience that was the catalyst to open my cage and fly freely. I was the bird who was in a cage. I was in prison. I had a spiritual breakdown! I didn’t know who I was. I didn’t know what I wanted. I didn’t know what my purpose was. It was a very profound moment in my life. Once I realized this, the deep work began. I started my journey of discovering who I was. What a ride it has been!

I took this opportunity to evaluate every aspect of my life. I was scared. I was excited. I was entering unfamiliar territory. I knew I was on a journey to the unknown. Exciting, right?

The truth is I wanted to know who my authentic self was. I wasn’t living my life being authentic. I was living my life through the lens of others belief systems. I was living my life the way I thought I should be living. I wasn’t being true to me.

Was this journey simple? No. I had to dig deep. Dig deeper and deeper. Sometimes it was painful. Sometimes it was invigorating. I had to let go of people. I upset people who didn’t understand the journey I was taking. I knew I had to do the work so that I can let go of what no longer served me to allow what does. I had a love affair with me! It has been the best love affair!

As I let my armor down, and it was a very slow process I began to see who I really am. Like an onion, I began peeling the layers of lies, wounds and beliefs. I began to sing like no one was listening. I danced like no one was watching. I began to soar high and higher. I am a bird who is free!

The first time I used my voice, I was scared. Each time I spoke my truth, it got easier. Not speaking my truth isn’t an option today. It should never be an option.

What an amazing journey I have been on. I never knew love like the love for myself. Everyday I am grateful that I am being my authentic self. I show up living life big!

So if you are a bird in a cage, I invite you to open it up and fly out. You may return but keep going out. When you are ready you will leave the cage forever, never to return. You will be free!

Give yourself the gift of finding out who you really are. Open your heart to the process. Be compassionate as you take this journey. Share with others who you really are! We all have a voice, and we need to be heard. We all need to sing beautiful notes like a bird.

Written by Natasha Burke, January26,2017