Ten Ways to Step Outside of your “Gilded Cage”

Last week, I shared a musing about the ways we’ve created "gilded cages" in our lives. From what we wear, to what kind of house we live in, and even what kind of car we drive. These things often become things our culture tells us should be important.

We live in a culture of both commodity and consumerism that is hard to avoid. It beckons us to participate and care about Labubu dolls, the latest Owalla water bottle, and how we look to others. Life continues as we throw caution and our cash to the wind until we realize that at any time, we can stop. So it begs the question of: How do we cultivate living outside of our "gilded cages"?

1. Do one thing every week/month that you’ve been afraid to do.

Sing karaoke, take an art class, look up from your phone and start a conversation with a stranger. Find ways to remind yourself of how courageous you can be. It builds belief in you.

2. Take a social media detox for a week or two.

Witness how quiet your mind becomes so that your thoughts and visions become clearer.

3. By the most sparkly gel pen at your local art store and journal a vision of life would look like if time and money were no issue.

Write out who you would be, how you would spend your time, with whom, and what matters most to. What you write out paired with sparkly gel ink will feel enlivening.

4. Take a road trip for a weekend somewhere by yourself.

Just book a room and let the rest magically unfold.

5. Clean out and/or sell things from an area in your life that’s been crowding up your physical space.

Welcome the lessons of spaciousness and letting things go.

6. Sit with a glass of wine or tea on your balcony and map out where your money has been going.

It may not be as exciting as you think now, but you’ll thank yourself over time when you create a budget, stay disciplined, and most importantly steward your money intentionally towards your vision.

7. Don’t fear praying boldly to God

Ask for help and guidance as much as you have prayed the same for others.

8. Do a “no makeup” challenge for a week

Instead curate a luxurious skincare and food routine. Let your natural glow shine and remember how beautiful you are.

9. Read Brené Brown’s “Braving the Wilderness”.

You’ll be grateful you did.

10. Make a dream board for a visual reference of things you wrote in your journal.

Whenever life gets busy again and you feel yourself stepping back into that gilded cage, look at your dream board as inspiration to continue taking steps forward every single day, no matter how big or small they seem.