Conformity: action in accord with prevailing social standards, attitudes, practices, etc. -dictionary.com
In what areas of your life do you conform to? Why, what makes you conform?
I am certain no one can escape the fact that everyone has been, will be, is conformed in some way to something. There are too many forms of conditioning in the world to escape it. Since we all tend to live busy, or otherwise distracted lives, we may have areas that we allow others to do our thinking and decision-making for us.
Now, let me begin with saying, I am not a Jehovah's Witness. = ) No offense intended, but I am one that really dislikes most of our holidays. I hate Christmas, can't stand Easter, I find Valentine's Day insulting, I disagree with Halloween. I ask that you not judge me. I am being honest. I encourage you to accept me as I am, as just another perspective in the world. My purpose is to get you thinking "out of the box."
Halloween is just a couple days away. I can't, and won't lie, I like dressing up. Dressing up out of the norm, wearing things I wouldn't normally wear. Taking advantage since I tend to avoid attention in my everyday life. I feel bad for my kids when I keep them from participating, so I'll take them out or allow them to give out candy. When I am not with my kids, I work and take advantage of the change of pace. But every year I feel like I conform against what I really want to do. I conform from standing strong in what I believe.
There is a pressure I feel that works against me and what I really want to do. This feeling of extremism, as well as a feeling of being left out of something everyone else finds no problem being apart of. Maybe, due to my avoidance of attention, I feel that I get negative attention. Then when it comes to my children, this is all I wouldn't want them to deal with.
This is all very embarrassing to admit but it expresses a force very real that all of us are exposed to. I hope that it doesn't close your mind to my central message: What do you conform to? Do you recognize similar feelings in any part of your life? I challenge you to be you! No matter the resistance. Why do we all have to be the same, think the same, act the same?!
This year, I am going to be me, and refuse to conform. It is always best to replace a negative with a positive, so that is my intention. I decided my boys and I will dress up extravagantly, bake a soup in a pumpkin (pray for us! First timers here!), and build something that could be of use to someone somewhere. I am actually very excited about it!!
"I feel like I conform in my work. As in, my job. Everyone needs a job, or...everyone needs to make a living. And I literally mean "A living"! Even if we are just scraping by, we work our asses off. And I am the epitome of just that. I work and work and work, hoping that someday someone will recognize my potential and give me more opportunities. I conform because it's not the profession I want to be in. But...I have experience. And...they have seen my work at my current job than at any other place. They tell me to work hard and I will be rewarded. So I say yes. I always tell myself I need a new job. At least one that will pay me more than JUST enough to eat every week. I tell myself I deserve to be admired, but instead I do my forty hours a week and move on to the next forty and the next forty. I want to grow, but out of fear, I stay where I am and don't get anywhere. Perhaps I need to challenge myself as well. When I muster the courage I suppose. Or is it self pity I have to find? Who knows. " -Julett, via Google+
ReplyDeleteI believe this is the most vital aspect of many of our lives that we conform on. The decision in our lives that we spend most of our time on. I struggle with it as well. It does take a lot of courage, inner strength, determination, and persistence to remove yourself out of the rat race. The way I see it, many employers extort their employees, promising them better but only really acting when they feel they are going to lose them.
You are gaining experience, and your employer holds testament to that. Don't allow them to hold you hostage because of that, because your worth is a testament in itself!! Don't sell yourself short! Maybe this is what you have to do for now to live, but don't settle for that. Dedicate yourself to your passion! You can make a living and some, doing something you truly enjoy that adds to your life. Not just existing. It takes sacrifice and hard work, but is never impossible!
I think those of us that are self starters and strong thinkers tend to see that we do not conform to whats out there in the rate race as we grow and mature.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's a drastic change in one's life to make one see this and sometimes people never see it. I think we can only have control over ourselves and accept everyone for who they are and where they are at this time in their and our lives.
People who do not see that, are not the people I surround myself with.
Enjoy your soup and time with your boys. (I don't enjoy holidays either). ;)
I like and appreciate your comment, Bonnie. There are some that don't conform in the rat race, of which I admire. And there are some that don't see anything else than what they know.
ReplyDeleteWe all grow and mature at our own time, and when that time comes, I hope that we all stand up and take it on; not fall back and stay comfortable. The best thing we can all do for each other is to encourage and support one another.
= ) The soup is still cooking!! Can't wait to see how that turns out. Thank you Bonnie! I hope you have a wonderful evening with your loved ones.