Freedom of Independence

As a young child, I often thought that I would go through immense change through my teenage years, to the point where I wouldn’t be able to recognize myself by the time I turned 18.

But whenever I used to examine myself, both literally in a mirror and figuratively in my thoughts, I would come to the conclusion that nothing much had changed. My thoughts, my mindset, my view of the world all seemingly remained stubbornly stagnant. The only aspect of myself that I noticed feasible change in was my physical appearance.

In a way, I was similar to Siddhartha. By being so focused on a specific goal, my peripheral vision narrowed to the point where I was unable to notice the little changes and growth I was able to make as I aged.

Thus, I think growth and age is signified by the unwavering confidence and stableness a person has in their decisions. Not necessarily stubbornness and an inability to perceive right from wrong, but more so a true, genuine feeling that your choice best reflects you as a person. By taking a step back, I’ve noticed that I’ve stopped putting so much stock into what others may think in a negative manner. I’ve come to now make choices based on what I feel is truly right, while still being open to discussion and criticism. I don’t let others make my own personal choices.

It is this mindset change that has allowed for me to embrace myself and feel more confident in my everyday life. I think it’s enabled me to express myself to others and put myself more out there, less afraid of what others may think and feel about me. By the time I start balding and wrinkling, hopefully I can reach the pinnacle of this mentality, and not let any social norms or expectations dictate who I am as a person.

I think I’ve realized just by waking up everyday that it’s not fair for me to have others essentially live my life for me. By being born into this specific life, I have a responsibility to tell its story.

Event of the Week:

Israel Adesanya, a legend of MMA, recently got knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov.