We are not given a choice at birth to select parents who might be the most suitable or compatible with us. Instead, we are raised, taught, and molded to become their smaller versions. Phrases like, “Our kid should go to the best school/college, achieve the highest grades, and excel in everything,” reflect the high expectations many parents have. This relentless pursuit of excellence often pushes children to the point where they grow apart from their families. They carry an immense burden that they can never seem to free themselves from.
As children, we feel obliged to fulfill certain duties for our parents. This might include attending social gatherings despite our aversion, sacrificing personal time, and adhering to practices we might find unethical, all in the name of culture. The fear of upsetting our parents if we do not comply can lead to a lingering sense of guilt, which is hard to overcome.
However, our generation has learned and grown significantly over time. It’s crucial to understand that wanting to live life on our own terms is not wrong, as long as it is legal and moral. The previous generation needs to adapt to the evolving societal norms – changes in preferences, opinions, attire, and more. After all, they themselves did not live exactly as their parents wanted them to. So why is there so much pressure on our generation?
We need to overcome our fear of upsetting our parents. They may be disappointed, whether now or in the future, but if we wait, we risk losing our self-worth, mental peace, and sense of self. This unnecessary burden is placed on us simply because we were born into this world without a choice.
Again, I am not advising anyone to shirk their responsibilities – whether they are emotional, financial, or physical. These duties must be fulfilled, without question. However, this should not come at the cost of losing one’s sense of self. It’s essential to maintain a firm balance between meeting our obligations and preserving our individuality and mental peace. By doing so, we can live authentically while still honoring our responsibilities.