I wish I was a bird, free to fly away when I needed to. But instead I am stuck here, unable to leave.

I dreamed that I was a stag, wandering freely where I want to go. No anchors or baggage holding me back. But then I awoke to remember that I’m just a man. Stuck in my life of commitments and responsibilities.

I wish I was a tree. Grounded and wise, able to withstand storms with no insecurities. But I’m not a tree. I’m deeply flawed and constantly struggle with my own self-image. Neither strong nor wise.

I always wanted to be a bear. Powerful and impressive. Living in the woods and hiding away from the world, sleeping for months at a time. But I’m just me, I can’t hide from the world or hibernate. I have to be a part of it all.

I would want to be anything but what I am now. But I’m not. I’m just me.