Do you find it easier to sit on the perch, viewing and interacting with the world through the safety of your cage? Is it easier for you to nest within your comfort zone or tolerate your discomfort rather than taking a reasonable risk to go for your dreams and desires? If so, then you are clipping your own wings.

What’s the harm in dwelling within a self-imposed prison, even if it’s a nice one? Well, a cage is still a cage, regardless of how nice, comfy and safe it may feel. And while there’s purpose in that choice to the extent that at times we may need to shelter, recharge or heal, getting stuck there is a different matter.

Sheltering Safely in Your Bubble Can Be a High Price to Pay

It is the sacrifice of a life well lived – your life! The one begging you to come out and play before it’s too late. A life comprised of your God-given talents and the gifts you were meant to share with the world.

What are some questions to consider to help you determine if you are living within self-imposed limitations? Here’s a simple list:

1. Do I play it safe most of the time?
2. Do I prefer comfort and security over adventure?
3. Do I daydream about things I want to do, but fail to take action?
4. Am I uncomfortable or fearful of not knowing outcomes?
5. Am I playing the role that everyone expects of me by default or otherwise?
6. Am I afraid of being judged or letting others down?
7. Do I engage in negative self-talk?
8. Have I spent my life climbing mountains that only exist in my head?

If you answered yes to some or all of the questions above, you may want to consider hopping off of the perch and making your way over to the open door of your cage. According to the The Five Things People Regret Most on Their Deathbed, number one is:

“I WISH I’D HAD THE COURAGE TO LIVE A LIFE TRUE TO MYSELF,

NOT THE LIFE OTHERS EXPECTED OF ME.”

How to Catch Wind Beneath Your Wings

1. Acknowledge and accept the fact that you’re the only one with the power to clip your wings.
2. Realize it’s never too late, and you’re never too old.
3. Be mindful of and challenge your self-limiting thoughts and behaviors.
4. Nurture your creative side. Everybody has one, discover yours.
5. Hang out with people living fully and joyfully. Emulate their behavior with your own spin.
6. Say goodbye to the toxic people in your life.
7. Relax, learn to breathe deeply, and practice the art of letting go.
8. Rekindle your curiosity. Curiosity generates upward flow like catching a thermal.
9. Refuse to live in denial, the luxury of time is no longer available to you.
10. Have a little faith. Trust God, trust yourself. What have you got to lose?

For us as seniors, the majority of life is now in the rearview mirror. Instead of that being your focus, try shifting your sight and attention to the here and now as well as the road ahead. It doesn’t mean you have to be a busy body with a constant agenda. It’s simply an invitation to say yes to your heart’s dreams and desires and then take action towards living those life experiences.

It doesn’t matter if you never learned to fly or you just forgot how, now’s the time to draw on your courage and allow your wings to meet the wind. There may be some awkward take-offs and the bumpy landings, but the payoff is sweet liberation. Happy flying!

Still need a bit of inspiration? enjoy this video titled “an eaglet’s first flight.”

Please join in the conversation. What are your unfulfilled dreams and desires? Are you settling for something or someone in discomfort? Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and build a path towards liberation? What is holding you back? If you’re already living your best life, please share your thoughts, tips and advice with others in this community.