Breaking Free

Sadly the family we are born into dictates a lot about who we are and how we will function later on in life and in society. Some will come from open minded households that allow them to seek unending opportunities. For the majority however they will face a much different fate, they are not that small percentage. They are the ones who from infancy are shaped and molded by parents religious and cultural boundaries and barriers.

As children growing up deeply submersed in religious or cultural households with strict adherence to rules and traditions it can be difficult for one to form their own thoughts and opinions on what life really holds. You are taught to mindlessly hate what they hate, love what they love and follow all instructions and requirements without question for fear of punishment or ex-communication . How many marriages have been entered into solely on the basis of cultural acceptance or because one must marry within the confines of a religious group of people?

To take a step back from this and look at life subjectively is a breath of fresh air for many raised this way. To form thoughts and opinions based on logic, reason and human love and understanding is something many only begin to do late in their adult lives when the pressure from family has lessened. Still many govern their entire adult lives by undue family pressure and the avoidance of disappointing a belief system they do not agree with just to keep the peace. How many generations of hate between religious and cultural groups have been passed down for innocent minds to harbour without understanding.

If the fear of disappointment was taken off the table one would be free to express themselves purely and freely without judgement and damnation. A friend circle could be established based on similar ideals and likeness rather than religious and cultural sameness. Ones mate could be selected based on compatibility, interest and future goals instead of simply fitting within the confines of a group or sect.

Imagine if each generation could decide for themselves without negative and "well meaning" influence to taint their very thoughts. Love, tolerance acceptance and unity would prevail. Surely we would still have those who freely choose to do wrong, form negative and hateful opinions but the magnitude of these would be on a smaller scale.

Children are not inherently evil, they learn evil from their surroundings and from those that influence them. Parents and family groups need to guide children through their young lives with a sense of openness and core values- be honest, don't steal, don't take a life- but allow the basis of their lives to be formed with opinion they make without undue influence from cultural and religious dogma. If only unbiased guidance was given then how one dresses, who one marries or befriend and the career they pursue would come from their heart and based on their understanding of life and the world around them. Breaking the religious and cultural barriers that divides us instead of uniting as they so often claim is the ultimate goal but allowing our children a healthy freedom of choice is a great place to begin. Standing up to break this cycle to allow our little one a chance to become who they were meant to who they want to be is a liberating and freeing decision. It may be that they do not always agree with us but they are learning the skills and knowledge that later in life will help them function as an adult contributing to society.

Here is to all you still trying to figure out who your are in adulthood and were raised in these homes. You can and you will make sense of this thing called life yet :)