We have all been embraced by the cult of conformity. If we are not one thing then we must be another. Individuality is rarely tolerated.
There are boxes and there are boundaries and society requires us to take our place within defined parameters whether they be real or imagined.
There must be a reason, an explanation, not only for who we are but why we are. The result is that we are all forced to wear labels of definition.
And, if there is any uncertainty, we can always rely on self-diagnosis – comparison for the sake of comparison based on what we think we know about ourselves and others.
It is no longer acceptable to simply strive to be the best we can be and find comfort in that. Everything must come with an explanation and the problem with explanations is that they can be used as excuses.
It’s not difficult to find reasons to excuse why we are the way we are. But that gives us permission to continue following the same path…the path of least resistance.
The one thing so many of us struggle with is avoiding making the choices that could lead to us becoming a better version of ourselves. We have an innate sense of who we could be and how we could be but the inner voice is often ignored.
Ignorance is every bit a matter of choice and every individual has both the right and the access to choice.
Action, however, must follow choice. It’s action that will drive change.
It’s not necessary to accept society’s efforts to define us. Nor is it necessary to compare ourselves to others in our bid to decide our place.
We can choose.