That crutch life

I recently had an operation which required the use of crutches for several weeks afterwards.

I left the hospital with a pair of crutches to help me get around, with great difficulty initially, but got me to essential places nonetheless.

I didn't leave the house for about 2 weeks. I couldn't leave the house for about than 2 weeks. Mobilising was difficult with the crutches, let alone without. Even short distances were a struggle.

I had to depend on my crutches. Literally. 

After about 4 weeks I had a small victory - I went from 2 crutches to 1 crutch! And could walk short distances in and around the house without any crutches.

The real challenge came whenever I stepped out of the house. I didn't have the confidence to do so without my crutch. I felt at times that I could perhaps try to leave without it, but I wasn't overly convinced and would end up talking myself out of it. The crutch came along!

It was scary to think that I would soon be walking without it, I couldn't imagine it since it was still a great support for me in my time of need.

Although my crutch was a physical one, metaphorically speaking, a crutch can be anything we depend on.

There was a point I needed the crutch, and occasions since then when I still did need to depend on it. 

But for the most part I was good (slow, but good).

I find that with life sometimes there is a metaphorical crutch that we depend on, which is useful in the time of need, but a hinderance beyond its use. 

A physical crutch automatically slows you down; it's effectively an extra step. But when you need it, that doesn't really matter. However, if it slows you down and it is not really needed, then what was once helpful now holds you back unnecessarily.

What "crutches" do we have in our life that are past their expiration date?

Wanna move forward? It's time to throw that crutch out!