We all know about outer coats. There are capes, ski jackets, windbreakers, dressy coats, raincoats, sweater coats, long coats, short coats, fur coats, black coats, white coats, zippered coats, and button coats. There are coats for every season and every type of weather. And, whereas our outer coats protect us from the weather, our inner coats can and do protect us from life’s inner storms.  

There have been numerous studies of twins who grow up in the same house and yet, view the world differently. To demonstrate this, I am a twin. My brother likes rock music, sports, fishing, and beer. On the other hand, I love classical music, walking, reading, and herbal tea.   

What makes us different? 

Is it nature versus nurture or environment versus genetics?  

Is it he’s an extrovert and I’m an introvert? 

Is it he’s sighted while I’m blind?   

Who knows! These may or may not have anything to do with how we operated in the world. And yet, our internal coats make us perceive our relationships with ourselves, and with others in different ways. 

#1. Straitjacket. This inner coat constricts or limits our thinking, behaviors, or beliefs. If we’re embodying a straitjacket, then, we’re going to see the world through the lens of lack, worry, fear, doubt, doom, and gloom.  

#2. Wings. This inner coat expands or enlarges our thinking, behaviors, or beliefs. If we’re embodying wings, then, we’re going to see the world through the lens of abundance, gratitude, love, good, forgiveness, joy, and peace enabling us to soar more fully into our greatness.   

Right here, right now, which coat are you wearing? 

Are you wearing a straitjacket? 

Are you wearing wings of expansion and love? 

Whatever inner coat you’re wearing is the right coat for this moment. We’re all human, doing the best with what we got. It’s okay to pull the straitjacket out at times of great sadness, and likewise, it’s OK to pick up our wings and fly in moments of lightheartedness. We have a choice! And, the thing about choice is to be aware of which one we’re wearing and displaying at any moment. Sometimes, we can get ourselves into “trouble” if we’re not mindful of which coat we’re presenting at any given moment. 

Ultimately to live a fulfilling life, we must take our straitjacket off and replace it with wings to fly. As I say in the final pages of my memoir, Soaring into Greatness: A Blind Woman’s Vision to Live her Dreams and Fly, “Flying isn’t freedom without responsibility, joy without pain, success without trials, play without work, blessings without struggles. Flying is to know your Self, believe in your Self, and Be your Self. Flying is the ability to rise above the mountains of life’s struggles and see the landscape with new eyes of vision.”   

I challenge you, if you find you’re wearing a straitjacket today, see if you can do one thing to release the pressure you’re under. Perhaps talk with someone. Read something that will expand your spirit. Take a class. While you’re waiting for your wings to unfold, let go of your woundedness and worry. You’re the co-creator of your destiny. You’re here for a divine purpose. Remember, just as the straitjacket is inside you, so are your wings. Hold tight, you will fly again, and you will change the way you see, and you will change the way you live.