Puppets of Life

I grew up free.

     I could play with anything; creativity bursting through the seams.

     A stick was not just a stick. It used to present countless possibilities. A weapon to save myself from an imaginary dragon. A makeshift cane as I practiced for old age. Or even a magic wand to grant all my wishes.

     I used to dance and laugh; to sing at the top of my lungs and jump in puddles; to giggle at the stars and spin on my feet under endless skies.

     I couldn't wait to see what would become of me; where my freedom would take me.

     But as years went by, I didn't notice the strings wrapping around my body.

     I was told many things.

    I had to pursue the highest form of education.

     I had to take on a fulfilling career even if it didn't flicker passion.

     I had to love a respectful man.

     I had to then marry this man at appropriate candle number.

     I had to have children with said man.

     I had to work until retirement...

     I had become a puppet in the game of life.

     My life story had been written in expectations. Expectations that I believed I truly desired.

     I was set to live the same story as many of my fellow puppets. Set to follow the same script.

     That's not to say that the script was poorly written. It was indeed a reflection of many purposeful lives lived and to be lived.

     So, a great story perhaps, but not written by my own hand.

     As a young girl I had written a different story.

     Some might say it was written by a head that was high above in the clouds. It contained the wildest dreams and the magic of a young girl's imagination.

     The puppets and puppet masters told me that I was too grown for these dreams... And I believed them.

      But listen here, you're not meant to be a puppet. You are the puppet master of your life.

     You write your own script. You lead the show of your life.

     If your choice is to follow the original script, then make sure you do so with no strings attached.

    It is time to cut those strings as I am learning to do. Jump off the stage and let your feet guide you where you're meant to be.

     Say farewell to the puppet master; they have their own life to live.

     It's time to live the life you want.

     The stage is yours.

     You run the show.