Nine hours had passed since I had gotten dressed for the day. It has been quite a few days ago now that I got up with expectation, prepared myself, and slid into a dress appropriate for the close of summer and the opening of fall. I didn’t have a care in the world as I went about my day, set to enjoy the beauty of the gifts of nature. Suddenly (or not so suddenly since several hours had passed), I started to feel confined, twisted, constricted, and uncomfortable in my seat as I drove along the interstate listening to music that quickly reminded me of my age. I just sat there wondering “what in the world am I listening to?” That wonder temporarily took my mind off of my discomfort…for a microsecond!!!!
I wasn’t just reminded of my age at that moment, I was reminded that I had on a girdle that I desperately wanted to be out of…NOW!!! Well now meaning on that evening at that time! Do people still use the word girdle, or do we fancify it and say Spanx or whatever? Regardless of what sounds better, as soon as I walked through my door, I removed the constriction that had me bound, twisted, and confined! Once it was off, I just stood there, stared at it, and laughed! This contraption had literally mangled my existence. Yes, I’m somewhat dramatic, but oh well!
As I reclaimed my freedom to breathe and move, I laughed uncontrollably and obnoxiously loud (only those closest to me know exactly what this uncontrable laugh looks and sounds like🤣). In the midst of my tears from laughing, I saw that girdle as a representation of some of the self-imposed restraints we place on ourselves, and some of the restraints we allow others to place on us. Don’t get me wrong, a well fitted “girdle” has it’s place, but it should never be used as a strangle hold to stop from making your way to your next!
I can only speak for myself, but in certain situations, confinement can feel like oxygen deprivation. We often associate these confining situations with personal relationships only, but my oh my, they exist in professional ones too! Trust me, I can tell you a story or 2 or 50. No matter which one it is, when you begin to feel immobile, bound, and constricted, much like that girdle had me feeling, the desire to snatch it off or bust out increases. Being bound in such a way leaves you unfulfilled and feeling misplaced. Sometimes when we’re out of place, we suffocate our purpose. I’m not an expert at life, but I am at expert at my experiences, so trust me when I say your purpose can be discovered under duress, but it can’t fully be realized when you make a decision to rest in the state of duress. I know someone reading this can relate! Staying in places and spaces that do not serve you, will deflate you. Bust out of those spaces and places, you have somewhere else to be!
I don’t know about you, but boxes and corners have never been my favorite places! They are huge sources of confinement and I personally need an exit! Y’all remember when Baby was in that corner and Johnny said “Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner!” In other words, “Turn her loose!” Sometimes we acquiesce to make others feel more comfortable on their box, not realizing how small we are making ourselves by shrinking to fit in our own! We play the proverbial game, only to discover that our game token is in a never ending chokehold! Knowing the rules of the game is necessary, ensuring that you are not a pawn in the game is essential! Cut it off, tear it off, or pull it off…how ever you choose to do it, BUST OUT OF THE GIRDLE OF CONFINEMENT! Stand up, and walk upright!
(Disclaimer: I am in no way discouraging the use of girdles, control your jiggle when you wiggle if you feel the need! Just don’t stay in it for nine hours, ijs!)
SONG REFERENCE: Ledisi-BRAVO Rick James: I’m Bustin’ Out
Life Is But A Song 