#284 Societal Expectations, Authenticity, & Choosing Wisely, Again & Again

     Parental, professional, familial, and societal expectations can be pulling us in many different directions all at once. At times we might cry out: "What, deep down, do I truly need?" And this may not be coming from our self-centered inner child! 
     It's easiest to simply try to appease everyone (though making everyone happy is impossible). Many of us do this for most or even all of our lives, never really discovering for ourselves who we are, and what we're called to do in this "one, short, precious life." 
     At some point though, often starting in middle-age, our body-mind starts sending signals that our authenticity (our true self) needs recognition, expression, and full integration with our daily life. Should we fail to heed these calls for authentic living (raison d'être), either an internal civil war is unleashed - or - our spirit gradually dies of self-neglect. 
     Our consciousness is trying to evolve to it's full potential and complete expression in thoughts, words and actions, in this life.

     For additional perspectives on maturation see: http://mindfulnessforeveryone.blogspot.ca/search?q=maturation

Photo: Steve McCurry   http://stevemccurry.com