You are not how you were raised; is a statement not meant to be derogatory. As an infant, you had no choice as to what living environment, religion, culture, or political belief systems you would be exposed to. You may have had well-meaning parents who taught you what they learned through life. Your religion, social status, and sense of being, along with your morals, were taught or influenced you based on what your parents deemed appropriate.
Your parents are your first teachers in life. A loving and stable home is important; however, your personality and beliefs are initially shaped by your parents. Conversely, an unstable or dysfunctional household shapes you accordingly. Ironically, some rebel in either situation due to external influences. As you age, your perception of your living environment and how you are treated can shift either positively or negatively.
External influences involve those who have power or control over you, such as your schoolteachers, Pastor, or Ministers. The friends you select, employers, and associates all have an impact on how you perceive yourself and the world around you
WHAT YOU WERE TAUGHT
What you were taught was determined for you. You did not ask to be Catholic; you assumed from your parents’ belief system that this was a correct path. Your primary education was determined for you by the government. Wherever you acquired information that set your beliefs as they are, came from others, and you felt for one reason or another that they are true or possibly accurate.
So, for you, these truths are concrete. Do they resonate with you, and do you hold fast to them? Many become entrenched in a belief and are adamant about their sense of right or wrong. They hold the line, refusing to accept that there is always something more or missing from their truth. Knowledge is not static; you must keep an open mind that new information is available that will either disprove or clarify what you accept as truth.
TRUTH SEEKERS
All of mankind must be truth seekers throughout their life’s journey. There are many lies and misinformation aimed at everyone to control your beliefs and sway your opinions. All for a specific agenda, not necessarily for your best interest. Additionally, what you have been taught about religion, politics, and life in general may not resonate within you. You may either think differently or feel frustrated because something may feel illogical.
From your birth, you had no input into what you were taught to believe. You have free will, intellect, and a mind of your own. Your life is meant for you to live according to your desires, your beliefs, and you must continue to seek more than there is. Yes, you can listen to others around you, and you can read various information. You have the choice to either reject it outright or if it feels logical or comfortable, then accept it as your current truth until something comes along to change how you feel or believe. However, just because something seems illogical does not make it incorrect. Keep some information at bay, for further reference.
Be yourself, as you are a unique individual. You can stand on your own; you do not need to be a part of the crowd. Never allow criticism from others to sway you, because you do not conform to their way of thinking. They have their life, their thoughts, their beliefs, and you can respect that and remain true to yourself. Yet, we live in a world where some get angry if others challenge their beliefs or opinions. They do not respect yours. Just move on because you do not need to persuade them. It is all about receiving information and choosing to accept or reject, no persuasion needed.
LIFE’S PATH
Walking your life’s path, how you live and act should be via your genuine self. Do not ignore the you that you desire to be. Be true to yourself and never live your life through the eyes of others, because unhappiness and frustration will follow. The most difficult thing in life is to be someone you are not.