Locks are interesting. Not the physical mechanical device but what they represent and our perception of intent and purpose. Inherently, they protect, secure, and isolate. If those functions focus on physical property, then they are performing as originally intended. How often have you been locked out from a place you felt you should have free access? How often has your mind locked you into physical limits? How many times have you locked in your emotions or options? How many times have you locked your intellectual or creative boundaries.
All around us are metaphorical locks. Limiters placed upon us by others. Barriers and obstacles placed to impede us, limit us, and/or control us. Those are locks you don’t control. You don’t have the key, and maybe don’t know who does. That doesn’t mean the lock will hold.
Locks have a function. They shouldn’t be the instruments which limit and isolate you; you, as a person, as an athlete, as a creator, as a learning, caring, participating person. It’s bad enough, there are those around us, even our friends and family, who want to put locks on us. It’s worse yet when we lock-up ourselves.
We know who controls those locks; but, do we have the courage to grab our own keys and start unlocking? Are we strong enough to push through physical barriers when our mind says, ‘you’re done, push no harder’? Are we smart enough to continue to learn and press our intellectual envelope? Are we confident enough in our bedrock beliefs to challenge them with counter beliefs?
If we are willing to do these things, will we do them with an open or locked mind and spirit? If the locks aren’t open and removed, then it doesn’t matter how many outside locks continue to ‘limit us’. We are the gate keeper and have placed the most important locks on ourselves. We shouldn’t complain about the locks we don’t control until we’ve unlocked ourselves.
Focus on unlocking yourself. Unlock your physical, intellectual, and emotional self without fear or indecision. Challenge every aspect of yourself and free yourself of your own locks.
#NeverFearTheDream #LockedInorLockedOut #MakeItGreat #WatchoutForTheCrazies
willing to engage in conversation to pass the time in line. It was the guy wearing the unbelievable holiday sweater who caught my eye and then my ear. He was pontificating, to anyone who would listen, on his knowledge of domestic and international politics and his disgruntlement with recent cabinet selections. A demure woman commented about how worldly his knowledge was and that obviously he had traveled extensively. To her surprise, he told her he had never been outside of the state.
Fifteen years ago we, collectively and individually, took a knee to pray, in our own way, for those we lost, their families, the country, and the world. We raised our flag and our heads showing the world, and ourselves, we were united and strong.
SimpleBender.....wcb 