Life becomes different when you realize you are both the prisoner and the person holding the key.

Both roles are yours, which is uncomfortable and also the good news. Whatever is holding you is largely maintained by decisions you keep making, and that means the change is available without anyone else’s cooperation. It also means nobody is coming to open it.

Ask what you are waiting for permission or rescue on. Then ask what you could do about it yourself, at whatever small scale is realistic. Being the one with the key is a burden and it is better than the alternative.