No matter who you are and where you are in life you’re most likely ruled by the same thing that rules us all, expectations. It is as if everyone understands exactly what is expected of them and once we accept those limits as valid we are effectively restrained within them. It is a commonality of the human condition that almost to a person we accept while simultaneously yearning to be freed of. Expectations on a macro level is the glue of our society. We are born and told to go to school to be considered for a job that will make us marriageable at which point we are to find a mate settle down and have children who, if you did everything correctly, will replicate the cycle. This is the mature and sensible path and we are told that it is the definition of true meaningful happiness. Even people who are viewed as abnormal by our society are judged by this metric of sensibility in the long run which is why the debate over gay marriage is as passionate as it is with both supporters and opponents rightfully understanding that an acceptance into the institution of marriage is the last step towards long run normalization.
This is why we appreciate artists and eccentrics. The best of which do not yearn for fame or money but to live their lives on their own terms. It takes an incredible courage which goes unappreciated even among their fans. If you went to Thanksgiving dinner and told everyone you decided to be a painter, poet, or photographer you’d be laughed out the room. Recall your reaction to every aspiring rapper you know. This reaction doesn’t stem solely from a sense of irresponsibility on the part of the artist but also from what is taken at least on the subconscious level as an indictment on how we live our lives. I know personally I also feel a sense of jealousy because I wish I could disregard my set of expectations and do what I feel.
Acknowledging this I want to take this moment to personally challenge myself to follow my path as well as I can. I also want to challenge you the reader as well. I’m not encouraging you to abandon all responsibility but remember in your daily grind and long-term planning that we are blessed with free will and if you have the ability, do what you want.
Filed under: Daily Distractions Tagged: Relationships
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