Each one of us comes to this world with a treasure chest, filled with joy, hope, and happiness. It is full of meaningful relationships, exciting experiences, and awesome moments.

But that chest is locked. A key is necessary to enjoy what is inside.

Usually, older people tell us how to open our treasure chests. They give us their keys and explain to us how those things worked so well for them.

These keys can come in the form of religion, clothing, sports, or whatever else that has made them happy. And because these people are well-intentioned, because they are usually our parents, teachers, pastors, or relatives, we believe them.

We take their keys and do everything that we can to open our chests. Sometimes they work partially, sometimes they simply don’t.

But the reality is that we all came with not only the chest but with the key as well. The big problem is that the same people who try to give us their keys are the ones who tell us that our keys don’t work.

This is my story of how I tried all the keys that were given to me, and I found only frustration. This is the journey of how I overcame fear, guilt, and shame and chose to take my key and courageously use it.

. .