Waiting to Exhale: Exposing our Inner Wall
We guard our hearts against life’s uncertainties, but sometimes, even the smallest unexpected moments can remind us of the walls we’ve built and the weight they carry. Like waiting for a phone call from a love interest, the phone rings…and it’s someone unanticipated, like your doctor’s office. The feeling you get is a mix of disappointment, a hint of grief, and a taste of sadness. "We wait like Godot, for change that’s delayed, Hours stretch like years, in the dark, dismayed." "The mountain looms, but no summit appears, Still, each push uphill conquers some fear." It reveals why we have a guard, why it’s hard to bring it down, and how it becomes enforced and difficult to break. It often symbolizes protection, isolation, and control. The phrase "having a guard up" is a common metaphor for the emotional barriers we create to shield ourselves from hurt, rejection, or vulnerability. It reflects both a defense mechanism and a coping strategy, rooted in fear, ...