Expectations……
Our family and friends have expectations for us. Some of these are attainable and others unrealistic. However, these expectations remain in our subconscious and become a driving force or a train wreck. They may or may not align with our dreams. As youths our brains are said to be like a sponges taking in both good and bad information. Once the input is absorbed, the brain begins to act almost like the sifting process, which is essential to baking. It’s purpose is to incorporate all the ingredients, mix, and evenly distribute them. However, other variables are introduced, i.e.; air, improper use of sifter, inaccurate amount of flour, wrong type of flour, and recipe specification can cause the baked good not to rise to the right level or take on the perfect structure. Although we have good intentions and want to please our families. The illusion can become debilitating and cause internal strife.
Other times, we take on these expectations as an imposition that we fail to relate to or rebel against. However, we compartmentalize them in our brains instead deciding what of value to keep and what to let go. This interferes with our decision making processes and inevitably the roads we take. Don’t misunderstand me more times than not our families want the best for us. Many have worked hard for us and live vicariously through us. However, we should never push aside our own dream, desires, and personal ambitions.
Growing up, the dinner table was always the time to discuss future goals and aspirations. It was good to have that time together as a family. However, mealtime became more of an harrowing experience than nourishing. I wasn’t sure what I wanted or who I wanted to be. I felt compelled to give an answer I thought might be suitable and proceeded to live my life accordingly. Surprisingly enough through the hills and valleys of life I became just what I said would be. Yes, I made achievements I’m extremely proud of, but the question lies as to the source. Was it my God-given purpose or my ego that I made those strides for. “The ego, spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle says, is our misplaced identification with things, thoughts and desires, and we have to free ourselves from the grip of illusion.”
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