Societal Deception

In a world full of expectations we often find ourselves looking for others to dictate where we should go, what we should do, and how we should do it. These expectations are our check and balance system but are not always vested in our own destiny and self discovery. We must be careful not to ascribe to what society has set out for us because it is not the journey that will lend us the successes we deserve and are created for.

I am not discounting the benefits of having expectations or being an appropriate contributor to societal confines but one must be inquisitive enough to see that some confines can be strangling. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich’s famous saying, “A well behaved woman seldom makes history” is one that is revealing. Although this speaks to a woman it is applicable to all. To make “history” is defined by the ability to influence the legacy, to be remembered for something, and to become a material force that affects outcomes. Often when we accept others assignments we negate our own worth and stagnate our growth. The side effects of these behaviors are that you become robotic in nature, judgemental of others, and reach for rewards that ultimately impact the whole with little benefit to your own autonomy.

We currently live in a world that says we must accept certain things. We speak about having liberties that are written but not tangible. To be American enough, black enough, civil enough comes with our affiliation with certain groups and ideals that require total allegiance. There is more elicited hate and duress from these ideals than is accepted. The right to exercise your vision and beliefs is an area of conflict that can incite fractured dreams, weakened purpose, and broken relationships.

I recently recognized some things about myself that surprised me and allowed me to see that I measured success by what others had decided for me. When looking at my life I recognized that I felt disqualified by some of my “missteps”. To level the playing fields I sought conformity by watching what I said, how I moved, and began to dictate how all connected to me should also move. I became judgemental and often mean when challenging those I genuinely loved, including myself. While, I will admit that this conformity got me praise from society and advancement I lost so much more. I lost the ones the trust of some I loved and pushed away my biggest supporters because they refused to conform.

In this day and time of unrest, pandemic, and other struggles we must remember that there is no greater purpose than to choose you. Contribution of your gifts are important but only in a way that you can sincerely and unapologetically be an authentic version of it. I encourage you to stay true to who you are and not allow yourself to be graded by the report card of others. Walk in boldness celebrating your journey and assignment. Be your unique self and know that you are catalytic in changing the definition of REAL success.

#ClearCache’