The Innocent Jailor

The Innocent Jailer

This week, we’re pet sitting, Piper, my friend Amy’s dog.

Piper is a total sweetie. She’s low-key, listens like it’s her job, and is getting me out the door at 5 AM for an invigorating walk.

My cat, Sherlock, however, is not a fan. Since Piper arrived two days ago, he’s been hiding in the eaves, tucked back in the shadows, occasionally peeking out before slinking back into the darkness.

Piper, on the other hand, is fascinated. The curious look in her eyes is comical. I can almost hear her thoughts.

"What is that thing?"

She doesn’t live with a cat, and although I’m sure she’s seen one before, she’s not sure what to make of Sherlock.

This morning, Sherlock’s curiosity got the best of him, so he stepped out of his self-imposed prison, climbed down the pole, and landed with a “wumpf” on the floor.

Cocking her head to the side, Piper regarded him calmly.

Sherlock strolled through the kitchen, stood looking out the window for a few moments, and then suddenly, without warning, he bolted back up the pole, digging even deeper into the corner shadows.

Piper has no idea of the power she wields over him. (Honestly, I think she’s a little nervous. I mean, what is that thing?)

It occurred to me then that my cat is being held prisoner by an “innocent jailer.”

So, what is an innocent jailer?

It’s when whatever is holding you prisoner is unaware of the power it holds over you.

So often, you are held prisoner by your thoughts, yet your thoughts are unaware of the power they hold over you. They are just thoughts.

You're held prisoner by your fears, but your fears are also unaware. They're just fears.

You can be held prisoner by your assumptions, which, in my opinion, are the cruelest of jailers, especially since a few questions can usually clear up assumptions and lead to closer relationships.

Many times, it’s past experiences that stop you from taking the chance, making the dive, taking the big leap.

The crazy thing is that you’re often unaware of the effects of those memories until you look a little deeper.

Well, it’s now 2026, and there’s no better time than now to release those innocent jailers. They don't know they're holding you prisoner anyway.

In this episode of The Get Real For Good podcast, we offer our best tips for leaving the past in the past. Sometimes, it’s scary to go back to those events. We understand because we've been there, so we chat about our experiences doing just that.

If you are interested in getting a grip on what’s holding you back in life, you may be interested in checking out a free chapter of my book, Let My Legacy Be Love. Send an email to [email protected] or complete the contact form, and I will send it right out.

If you find the chapter helpful, you can purchase a full copy here.

When you’re ready to take the leap, check out our newest online course. It’s called A Clearer Vision and is built on the principles discussed on the website.

Today is the perfect time to release that jailer and start creating a life you love.

Dream. Plan. Do. Your Dream becomes reality.

Here’s to your success!