Don't be locked up: Free yourself from the cage

By Samuel Sulaiman Bah

Introduction

This article aims to provide insight into our thoughts and intellect, highlighting the issues that affect us individually, often resulting from our own actions, emotions, and thoughts. As the most advanced creatures on earth, humans are composed of matter and energy, which maintain a balance crucial for our existence.

"Don't Be Locked Up" identifies several emotional conditions we encounter as individuals, influenced by our actions, thoughts, and emotions towards others, whether willingly or due to circumstances beyond our control. Here are few conditions that often manifest through our thoughts, emotions, or actions towards ourselves and others.

• Fear

Fear is one of the most perilous conditions in human existence. It overwhelms our minds, affecting our feelings, emotions, and actions. Fear stems from certain experiences and circumstances we find ourselves in. From a Christian perspective, fear should not be embraced as it erodes our beliefs and fosters constant negative imaginings, adversely affecting our well-being.

Fear manifests differently in each of us due to our unique minds and perspectives. Everyone experiences fear to some extent, whether of someone, something, or certain situations. It's crucial not to fall victim to fear or become vulnerable to its influence.

• Intimidation

Intimidation significantly impacts our personal well-being, stemming from insecurities, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, and high anxiety. It can come from others or from within ourselves. Feeling dominated by others, particularly those with power, authority, or influence, leads to fear and emotional battles.

Avoid feeling intimidated by others due to their fame, money, power, or influence, as it diminishes your self-confidence and self-worth. Instead of feeling inferior, use others' success as motivation. Remember, those who intentionally intimidate others due to their status are not only harming themselves but also exhibiting discriminatory behavior.

When you have opportunities for money, power, and influence, use them to inspire and motivate others rather than to intimidate. Practising self-belief, valuing others' success as inspiration, and staying focused on your goals can help overcome intimidation.

• Betrayal

Betrayal is a violation of trust that leaves a lasting emotional impact. Whether betrayed by love, family, or friends, it often leads to psychological distress and emotional imprisonment.

The memory of betrayal makes it hard to trust again, as past experiences taint our perception of others.

Holding onto betrayal traps us in an emotional prison. However, we can free ourselves by controlling our emotions and not projecting past betrayals onto new relationships.

• Hate

Hate is a prison that hinders progress and self-destruction. It often stems from fear, mistrust, powerlessness, and vulnerability. Embracing hate disconnects us from love, leading to trauma and negative behavior.

Avoiding hate involves rejecting fear, mistrust, and vulnerability as pathways to hate. Instead, focus on positive emotions and the willpower to reject hate.

• Break Up

Breaking up with someone we love is a profound emotional experience, often leading to depression, sadness, and grief. The loss of future plans and the emotional attachment make it hard to move on.

To overcome the aftermath of a breakup, focus on healing and moving forward, rather than dwelling on past relationships. Embracing personal growth and future possibilities helps mitigate the emotional turmoil of a breakup.

• Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is a significant issue affecting young people, driven by the need for acceptance. This desire for validation can make us vulnerable and lead to anxiety and depression.

To combat peer pressure, develop a strong sense of self and independence. Relying on personal values and beliefs helps resist the compulsion to conform to others' expectations.

• Lust

Lust is a common, primal emotion that can weaken our emotional connections. It often prioritizes physical attraction over genuine emotional bonds, leading to dissatisfaction and emotional vulnerability.

Maintaining healthy relationships requires controlling lustful desires and focusing on deeper, more meaningful connections with others.

• Unforgiveness

Unforgiveness is a negative emotion characterized by resentment, bitterness, and hatred. Choosing to forgive is essential for emotional well-being, while holding onto unforgiveness leads to long-term emotional imprisonment.

Forgiving others frees us from negative emotions and promotes psychological healing and growth.

• Envy and Jealousy

Envy and jealousy are destructive emotions rooted in desire and insecurity. Envy involves wanting what others have, leading to emotional pain and low self-esteem. Jealousy involves fear and anger over losing something we value.

Avoiding envy and jealousy requires appreciating our own worth and using others' success as inspiration rather than a source of negative emotions.

• Conclusion

By understanding and managing these emotions and conditions, we can free ourselves from the cages that hold us back. Embracing positive thoughts and actions, fostering self-belief, and focusing on personal growth are key to overcoming these challenges and achieving a fulfilling life.