"Breaking the Mold: Embracing Your Authentic Self in a World of Expectations and Norms"
This post is dedicated to my late mother, whom I want to thank and acknowledge as an incredible facilitator of my generative growth and curiosity. I love you deeply mum ♡
I want to make it clear that I haven't completely avoided succumbing to society's influence. I've been fortunate to have been raised by an open-minded mother who, throughout my life, never pressured me to conform to societal expectations. This support began early, with small gestures like allowing me to wear sandals to school instead of traditional lace-up shoes. Even at the tender ages of 8, 9, and 10, I had the privilege of joining my mother in food preparation and serving at the school canteen, despite teachers' attempts to steer me toward the classroom, warning of potential failure. (As it turns out, I became the top student at my school and earned nearly all high distinctions at university, which, in a way, validated her unconventional approach!).
What's truly remarkable about my mother is that she never imposed her views on life upon me, except for one unwavering belief - that I was capable of achieving anything and everything. Under her care, I had the freedom to navigate life in virtually any way I chose. Naturally, I made some questionable choices along the way, and it was through these choices t
hat I learned valuable life lessons. Her guidance didn't come in the form of words; instead, I was guided by my own self-discovery.
For a number of years, my dinners consisted of a box of Twisties, and honey crumpets were my breakfast of choice. I pushed my limits in both physical pursuits and learning endeavors. I always knew that I could turn to her to be heard and truly listened to, without receiving direct advice. She simply listened.
I would often attempt audacious feats, like riding my bike around our yard while wearing roller skates and holding onto various giant fluffy toys and books I was reading. My mother would look at me with admiration and a generous spirit, finding joy in my eccentricities.
Wearing the mask that society has handed us can feel like a comfortable, albeit confining, fit. It's the persona we've been molded into by expectations, traditions, and societal norms. It's the mask that whispers, "This is who you should be, what you should do, and how you should live." It's whispered to us from our early years, mostly with well-meaning intentions.
Yet, as we traverse the labyrinth of life, it becomes increasingly evident that this mask is not our true face. It may be stitched with threads of conformity and painted with the hues of societal approval, but beneath it lies our unique essence, our individuality!
Wearing this mask may come at a profound cost—the price of sacrificing our authenticity and inner fulfillment. It perpetuates the myth that conforming to external expectations is the pathway to happiness.
However, the truth is that this mask, however intricately crafted, cannot provide lasting contentment. It conceals our passions, stifles our dreams, and dims the radiance of our inner light. It makes us prisoners of other people's judgments and expectations.
True happiness lies in the courage to peel away this societal veneer and reveal our authentic selves. It's in embracing our uniqueness, celebrating our quirks, and pursuing the path that resonates with our heart's deepest desires. It's in acknowledging that the mask, while well-intentioned, has limited our potential for joy and fulfillment.
Breaking free from the mask requires introspection, self-discovery, and the audacity to chart one's own course. But the rewards are immeasurable—a life imbued with purpose, genuine connections, and a sense of inner peace that no societal expectation can bestow.
Happiness isn't found in conformity; it thrives in authenticity. Only by living as our genuine, unmasked selves can we truly find the happiness that has always resided within us.