I do not know why I am fascinated with life. I am curious as to what defines it, about the elements of combination that come together to form what we call life.
In life, there are many paths. None of which are absolutely right, wrong or destined. The fact that we have the freedom of choice means that we - can choose. And so, here's what I figured out for the past few days while travelling around Eastern Europe.
You don't have to walk the path of every person, the path that other people have chosen for you, or the path that you think you should tread on, or a path that you're lured to walk on. Dismiss all the noise : the people, the temptation, the things Walk on the path that your heart feels is right, is best and most comfortable. Follow your instinct.
As I interact with more people, here are some of the 'should-s' that society tries to impress upon me:
1. You should settle down and get married by thirty. Otherwise nobody will marry you anymore.
(This is a belief. Not a fact).
There are an increasing number of women who get married in their mid-30s, 40s or even 50s, and they remain happily married. That doesn't mean I want to delay marriage as late as possible. But somehow, I haven't found the prince on the white horse!
2. You should not get a masters or pursue too high a career ladder. The more educated you are, the higher the position you hold in your company, it will diminish your chances of getting married.
(This, too, is a belief. Not a fact).
The head of the national bank of Malaysia is a woman, so is the Chancellor of Germany, Prime Minister of Thailand and heads of several companies. And they're all happily married with fully functional families. Note that all these positions require logical and practical thinking too. There is no such thing as suitability of a position depending on one's genes. It's all in the mind. A matter of inner desire and passion. If you think you can do it, you can. The fuel of passion and inner desire is more powerful tan any other forces of coercion.
3. You should not travel alone because it's risky and dangerous.
(This, too, is a belief. Not a fact).
If you plan well, know and decided where you are going to stay, visit, how you are going to travel etc, you will be fine. Stay calm. Keep your head on your shoulders. Be vigilant at all times. Don't let your guard down. thousands have done it and they're still safe. Be on your toes. and of course, remember to bring your prayers with you. (",)
4. You should consume alcoholic drinks because you are in Europe! France is famous for its wine and champagne, Germany for its beer and vodka in Russia. And not to forget - the poppy seed cake and smoke weed in Amsterdam. You should go out and party and dance on Friday nights because that's what we do in Paris and on Friday nights.
(This,is definitely a belief).
There are too many 'should-s' in this world.
If I followed each and every 'should', I'd be so worn out from having too many strings tugging at my neck. I need to breathe. I need to be myself. The freedom to be who I am is my utmost right that belongs exclusively to me and myself. The freedom to write, to think, to day-dream and to turn my vision into reality. So is freedom of choice. The only time that I get to decie and act on what I want to do - is now. There is no other time. Life is too short to walk along the path of excruciating and equally uncertain path of 'should-s'. The only should is determined by God, not men. Follow your heart. It knows best.
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