Lore

Have you ever felt trapped in a cage no one could see?

I did. I was 14, vibrant and eager to explore, yet timid and introverted. Growing up in a local church, I often watched my friends interpret for the pastor. Their confidence amazed me, but I always faced a silent, gnawing fear, the thought of speaking in front of people terrified me. Low self-esteem followed me everywhere, and I often retreated into myself, silently daydreaming I could be like them and even do better.

Then, one day, after encouragement from my friends, my turn came. I was called to interpret. The fear I had nurse for years hit me like a vocano. My words stumbled, my hands shook. Within minutes, I felt I was confusing everyone instead of helping. The pastor gently asked me to sit down.

In that moment, I realized the truth, I had been living in a cage of my own fear. Like a tortoise, I retreat into the shell. For years, I avoided opportunities to speak, to lead, to stand tall. I watched others succeed and thought, “I’ll never be like that.”

Then life gave me a second chance. I entered institution where I was allowed to try and fail without condemenation, lead, make decisions. For the first time, I experienced encouragement and support the kind that allows growth. Slowly, I stepped out of my shell. I discovered that mistakes were not the end, they were stepping stones. I began to live differently. I began to do better.

Through this journey, I learned a powerful lesson: learned helplessnes.

our cages are often invisible, built from fear, doubt, and unlearned lessons. Until we identify them and break free, they continue to limit us. But once we confront them, growth becomes possible.

So I made a promise to myself, I will never go back into that cage.

And I encourage you to ask yourself, What’s your cage? Are you ready to break free and live the life you were meant to live?

Learn the lesson. Break free. Live limitlessly.