I’ve spent most of life being contained. Watching what I say in fear of upsetting someone. Not being my true self because I don’t fit into the expected societal norms.
And where has that containment got me? Well nowhere really, in fact, it’s held me back and left me feeling exhausted. Exhausted because I always have to think before I speak or act, exhausted because I always have to look out for my own protection rather than just being able to enjoy myself.
Clearly we all need some kind of filtering system and we all need to take certain steps to look out for ourselves because there are and always will be arseholes in the world. But that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the freedom to fly free and just be myself.
“My true self is free. I cannot be contained.”
Marcus Aurelius
I always maintain that I’m too big and squishy to fit in a box and yet that’s exactly what I try to do to fit in with the expectations of the world around me.
This is me reminding myself that I’m good enough, that I shouldn’t be ashamed of who I am. This is me reminding myself that I should speak out against those that claim I’m too queer and should tone it down or speak up when I’m constantly misgendered. But to also remember that sometimes I can’t do it all alone, that sometimes I need to lean on others for support when I need my voice amplified or just simply to ask for a hug on a bad day.
So here I am, flying free in my own unique way. Free from the shackles of the shit that every day life can bring. Not being contained whilst standing in front of a metaphorical container!
Molly
Always be Bee! You are a very wonderful person exactly as you are
Molly
mywildlens
Gosh I can relate to this SO MUCH. I have a filtering system too, and I have had to battle with it many times. I’m so glad you’ve found some freedom, it’s awesome.
Focused and Filthy
Keep flying free Bee. Keep flying.
Missy x
David Mei
Beautiful image but more importantly and important statement, realization, and exclamation of self. To thine
Own self be true. Hard to understand until you don’t.
There are some good books that have helped me get to the same revelation. One is Brene Brown’s “Daring to Lead”. She talks about having to be brave enough to remove our emotional armor, to take off our masks we have put on to fit in, and to dare to be awkward and vulnerable.
She has a good podcast that ends “stay awkward, brave, and kind.”
Be you
Your the only one who can.
Victoria Blisse
Keep on flying bravely free, love your overalls here and this wonderful image of you out of containment. It’s really powerful.
Modesty Ablaze
Flying free … and uncontained … yes definitely the way to be !!!
And fun location !!!
Xxx – MM
Sexilicious Ash
Being yourself without holding back is hard. It’s something I’ve always believed in and fought for though. I think it’s important. I wish you luck in finally freeing yourself and getting out of that box.
NPE
That’s a great shot! The hard line industrial mixed with the curvy natural. Love those coveralls, you being you!