Well, after being locked up in the house sick for the past week (with the exception of two 1.5 hour excursions) I emerged this morning ready to conquer the world. OK…not really “conquer”. And, not really “the world”. But I could walk upright without my head exploding and without rendering a cough that makes small children cry. That said, there was a bit of a spring in my step that I lacked just a few days ago.

You see, for me to be confined to the house for a day makes me a little gloomy. Two days – irritable. Three or more days sends me on a downward spiral toward a state of Eeyore-ness. (Yes, the donkey from Winnie the Pooh.) So, getting out of the house today offered me the opportunity to get some life back into my bones. Of course, it’s cold and rainy, so maybe I didn’t get as much life as I wanted, but it’s better than it was.

I got out of my cave, but then I realized something. It was a self-created cave. There is nothing miserable about our house – actually, it’s a great house. Sure, I was sick, but it’s possible to be sick and happy. I got to spend most of those days with my wife and baby. I didn’t have many responsibilities to worry about (a luxury only afforded to those who are sick) and I had lots of time to think or dream about whatever I wanted to. Instead, I chose to go to an unhealthy, gloomy place where dreams for the future, hope for today and even the whispers of the Almighty choose not to tread (or where I choose not to see and hear them).

Nevertheless, I went there, but now I’m back. From outer space. And…um…I will survive. :-) Here’s to all of you who have had or are having similar cave experiences. Go outside, take a deep breath and remind yourself that your cave is your own creation. Go deconstruct it!