In the journey from infancy to adulthood, we traverse a landscape shaped by societal constructs, often at the cost of our authenticity. From the fearless exploration of our surroundings as babies to the imposition of societal norms in adolescence, we navigate a maze of expectations, often losing sight of our true selves in the process.
The societal boxes begin to form early on, as we are molded by adult perceptions of how we should behave and who we should aspire to be. The innocence of childhood gives way to conformity, as we strive to fit into predefined roles and suppress our inherent uniqueness to gain acceptance.
Adolescence heralds a new era of societal pressures, as we grapple with the elusive pursuit of love, success, and validation. We succumb to the notion that our worth is contingent upon external validation, tethering our identities to fleeting societal ideals.
Relationships become a battleground where we sacrifice our authenticity in a bid to maintain the illusion of connection. We lose ourselves in the process, disconnected from our true essence and beholden to societal expectations.
But who decreed that happiness lies in conformity? Who defined success as synonymous with romantic relationships or material wealth? We are prisoners of our own perceptions, trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and disillusionment.
It's time to shatter the shackles of societal conditioning and reclaim our autonomy. Being single is not synonymous with inadequacy, and relationships should not necessitate self-sacrifice. We can forge meaningful connections without compromising our authenticity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
Yet, the journey to self-discovery extends beyond romantic entanglements. It encompasses a reclamation of our sexual identities, unshackling ourselves from societal taboos and embracing our desires without shame or inhibition.
We have been conditioned to aspire to an unattainable ideal, perpetuated by media portrayals of flawless romance and sexual prowess. But reality is far more nuanced, and true fulfillment lies in embracing our imperfections and honoring our core desires.
It's time to break free from the confines of societal expectations and embark on a journey of self-discovery. We must peel back the layers of conditioning to reconnect with our authentic selves, rediscovering our passions and embracing the full spectrum of human experience.
This journey is not without its challenges, but the rewards are immeasurable. As we shed the veneer of societal conformity, we unveil our true essence—a beacon of authenticity and resilience.
So, let us tear down the walls that confine us and embrace the vibrant tapestry of our humanity. Let us revel in the richness of our individuality and celebrate the unique journey that is ours alone to navigate.
For in breaking out of societal boxes, we discover the boundless liberty of being truly, unapologetically ourselves.
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Justina Anderson (Saturday, 19 November 2022 20:41)
"In fact, most of us do not even know what our needs, our core desires really are because we are so disconnected from ourselves and more connected to societal ideals."
I agree with this! I think the core reason we have so much going wrong in society is because people are disconnected from the core of themselves. When we go through life unaware of what it is we truly desire, and we do not consciously try to meet our needs, we unconsciously get our needs met through manipulation and other shadow-self ways.
These boxes you keep mentioning - manifestations of people creating separate versions of themselves when their consciousness splits as a result of trying mold themselves into getting their needs met. When we are put through trauma and our needs are not met or the core of who we are not recognized or validated, we develop these personalities around getting those needs met by embodying what IS getting valued and validated. We become the thing that will get us the love we need, the attention, or perhaps what will protect us from future bullying and abuse. These parts protect the vulnerable parts that got hurt, and we sometimes can even forget those parts of us exist if we stop paying attention to their needs as time goes on. So much of what we learn as children that helps us to survive becomes a major hindrance in adulthood, and ruins true intimacy with a partner because are not intimate with ourselves.