I recently watched a child climb into a box, snug and tight, smiling with glee. I’ve seen that many times. What is it with children and boxes? I remember my own childhood experience—feeling warmth and security, tucked into a box. Just enough room for me alone. A tight fit. No room for moving about, no chance of falling out. A place where I fit in. Ah, such bliss.

But I don’t do boxes anymore. I’ve grown beyond them. I no longer need something to hide me. I don’t need something outside of me to hold me together. I am enough. I am secure. I am safe in myself, without any help.

What’s more, when you sit in a box, people think they can set you aside—put you on a shelf to sit until they’re ready for you. You’re contained. You’re an object; not a moving, living, breathing flesh being with your own mind and thoughts.

So while it’s a heartwarming experience to watch a child settle into a box, it’s not so for an adult. Boxes aren’t for us. Boxes are restraint, suppression, inaction. They represent surrender, conformity, acquiescence. We have too much life, too much creativity, too much uniqueness to get trapped in boxes. Let’s stay away from them, eh? Be your own person.

Be brave. Be bold. Be you—unapologetically.

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P.S. On another note, I’ll be making a few presentations in Clarkston, Washington this month. If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll stop by.

March 15 I’ll be the speaker at the Valley Spiritual Center to share my Camino story/book at 10:30 a.m., and then to give a Power Word workshop at 1:00.

March 24 I’ll share my Camino story/book at 5:30 p.m. at the Asotin County Library.

March 28 I’ll lead a vision board workshop at the Valley Spiritual Center, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Email me for the details. If you would like to arrange for a presentation for a group in your area, let me know. I’d love to explore the possibilities.