Britney Spears reflects on damage done to 'heart and soul' amid conservatorship

Britney Spears "felt like a robot" at the height of her fame.

Returning to Instagram on Thursday, the Princess of Pop posted two videos showing her dancing in underwear.

In the accompanying captions, Britney offered insight into her experiences as a young artist and the pain she endured when she was placed under a conservatorship in 2008. The controversial arrangement lasted until November 2021.

"I actually miss the way I respected people so much that there was a genuine mystery of acute oneness when we were together, which was sacred," she began. "I feel like, still to this day, people don't realize the real damage that was done to my heart and soul in the conservatorship."

Britney went on to recall how she felt like "someone different" when performing.

However, her perspective on the entertainment industry shifted after she had her children. The Toxic hitmaker shares sons Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19, with ex-husband Kevin Federline.

"After having kids, though, I think that game was beyond overdone. I felt so silly and embarrassed. I think it's easier when you're younger to go there," the 44-year-old continued.

In addition, Britney emphasised that she was "proud" of herself for pursuing a different life.

"When I used to work with Felicia (Culotta, former personal assistant) in my beginning days, I would get asthma and start shaking if I had to meet more than 10 people in a meet and greet... I lost the sensitivity of my soul. And it literally hurt. I felt like a robot," she remembered. "I think during that time I lost a sacredness I used to have with people because I was secretly very sensitive and painfully shy. I miss my real relationship I used to have with people. Honestly, I felt like a robot, a machine. And thank the lord it's over."

Representatives for Britney have not yet commented on the candid posts.