Question Everything

How do we unlearn in order to discover ourselves? Because the truth is that it's really tough to admit when we may disagree with former teachings! Is it perhaps due to a childhood of being reprimanded for disagreeing with elders? Or from the conditioning of a school system that labels one as disobedient, unruly, or "Bad" when one doesn't follow rules or authority?

I've learned that there is so many things to unlearn in order to grow. Isn't that ironic! Many of our former childhood teachings must be set aside and questioned in order for us to ask ourselves what do "I" think? Or how do "I" feel? You see, if you remain under your childhood instruction, how can you discover your adult self? Now that you've learned how to think, interpret, analyze, compare, etc... Share with yourself your opinions of everything ever taught to you. Is there a better way to understand what's been shared with you? What was the purpose of your lessons? Have you come about a better way to get to the gist of things?

Questioning leads to experimenting and research, thus expanding your horizons. You become more open-minded and better able to deal wisely with a broader range of circumstances. So, growth is a very good thing which encourages more flexibility and compassion. Though it is obviously tough to begin gaining deeper levels of knowledge regarding shallow childhood guidelines: "Don't steal," "Don't lie," "Be polite." As grown-ups we appreciate the hard work involved in acquiring things and we respect other's belongings, we also understand business and profits. We build enough integrity and confidence to stand by our words and value relationships.

The scariest thing about questioning all of our teachings is discovering that we disagree fully or partially with some of them. Often times, those who taught us are/were well admired: Parents/family, teachers, mentors, preachers, friends, supervisors, etc... Yet, you can respect someone without agreeing with all of their points of views; even if it's your mom or pastor.

I was told that being "Gay/lesbian" was wrong, as well as sex before marriage. Yet, I have changed my views on those. The idea of the death penalty used to offend me, I thought abortion was murder and had never heard of "Reincarnation," etc... I used to think that black girls needed to perm their hair and that completing school would lead to success. Yet my views are not in accordance with the things I have been taught by those who I still respect.

It's crucial to understand yourself and why you believe the things you do in order to assure that YOU are respecting YOUR OWN conclusions. Just as you can disagree with others, you should be secure enough in your own beliefs to allow others to disagree with you. In the end, the one's who are most offended at differences are the one's who haven't enough courage to follow their own minds. They are likely blindly abiding by hand-me-down guidelines. Which may be okay for them, but YOU determine if those same hand-me-downs are okay for you.

Best wishes to you and your happily balanced estate!