Those whose lives have been oppressed often find themselves striving with greater vigor for independence. They're tired of the oppression. They no longer want people speaking for them or choosing for them. They want to do it their way.
People like this, perhaps, have a greater drive for change, and they may not understand exactly what it takes to achieve that change since they may not have mentors or experience in this regard. I remember many years ago when I felt this way. I was anxious to gain greater freedom and live life my way. I was a bit envious of some who were already living the life I aspired to. I wondered why they simply didn't make my quest easier to achieve. Now years later, I understand this better. They and those before them had worked carefully to develop their path, and they were still working hard at that time. While they loved and cared for me, they didn't have the capacity to lead or change my life. It was critical that I build my own life.
What I've learned is that it is okay to identify the way you want to live and why you want to live that way. It is also okay to take note of others' lives identifying the aspects of their lives you want to emulate. And, it is okay as well to partake in their privilege and advantage if possible and ethical. Experiences like this help you to grow with regard to your convictions and understanding of who you are and where you want to go in life. Being open minded to these experiences is positive and life enriching.
As a companion in life's journey, we have to be as loving and supportive as possible. That doesn't mean that you do everything someone else wants, but instead you look for positive ways to help others and join them on their journey. You listen for what others need and want, and when you have what they want, you give. And when you don't have what they want or need, you step aside with the hopes that they'll find that in others or elsewhere.
At times, it's easy for people to stay mired in oppressive settings simply because they feel that is their lot in life. They see no way out. When and if that happens to you or someone in your life, is is critical to understand that you can coach yourself out of that submission and into a better life one step at a time. To do that you simply begin by embracing what is right and good and making that a mainstay in your life while also negating that which keeps you down. Beginning with respectful, kind, and gracious living is a good start. Enjoy nature. Find ways to give to and support others. Simplify and brighten your surroundings. Watch uplifting movies, read good books, and attend community events. Join others who share in similar oppression because that will give you strength and a greater chance of lifting that oppression. Begin a journey towards betterment in any area of life that calls you such as becoming a better cook, creating a garden, drawing, dancing, playing an instrument or singing, playing a sport, training for specific professional work, or so many other options that exist for betterment. Today's Internet world creates a situation where you are able to explore anything that intrigues you with a simple search. Also, surround yourself with good people that enrich your life--those people add to your strength and a positive outlook.
In a sense, everyone is always on a search for independence as we continually shed our old selves to becomes new people for the new times that we are in as we get older and embark on new adventures and life paths. This is part of the quest of being human, and we do well to embrace the quest in ourselves and others rather than to ignore or combat that quest.
People like this, perhaps, have a greater drive for change, and they may not understand exactly what it takes to achieve that change since they may not have mentors or experience in this regard. I remember many years ago when I felt this way. I was anxious to gain greater freedom and live life my way. I was a bit envious of some who were already living the life I aspired to. I wondered why they simply didn't make my quest easier to achieve. Now years later, I understand this better. They and those before them had worked carefully to develop their path, and they were still working hard at that time. While they loved and cared for me, they didn't have the capacity to lead or change my life. It was critical that I build my own life.
What I've learned is that it is okay to identify the way you want to live and why you want to live that way. It is also okay to take note of others' lives identifying the aspects of their lives you want to emulate. And, it is okay as well to partake in their privilege and advantage if possible and ethical. Experiences like this help you to grow with regard to your convictions and understanding of who you are and where you want to go in life. Being open minded to these experiences is positive and life enriching.
As a companion in life's journey, we have to be as loving and supportive as possible. That doesn't mean that you do everything someone else wants, but instead you look for positive ways to help others and join them on their journey. You listen for what others need and want, and when you have what they want, you give. And when you don't have what they want or need, you step aside with the hopes that they'll find that in others or elsewhere.
At times, it's easy for people to stay mired in oppressive settings simply because they feel that is their lot in life. They see no way out. When and if that happens to you or someone in your life, is is critical to understand that you can coach yourself out of that submission and into a better life one step at a time. To do that you simply begin by embracing what is right and good and making that a mainstay in your life while also negating that which keeps you down. Beginning with respectful, kind, and gracious living is a good start. Enjoy nature. Find ways to give to and support others. Simplify and brighten your surroundings. Watch uplifting movies, read good books, and attend community events. Join others who share in similar oppression because that will give you strength and a greater chance of lifting that oppression. Begin a journey towards betterment in any area of life that calls you such as becoming a better cook, creating a garden, drawing, dancing, playing an instrument or singing, playing a sport, training for specific professional work, or so many other options that exist for betterment. Today's Internet world creates a situation where you are able to explore anything that intrigues you with a simple search. Also, surround yourself with good people that enrich your life--those people add to your strength and a positive outlook.
In a sense, everyone is always on a search for independence as we continually shed our old selves to becomes new people for the new times that we are in as we get older and embark on new adventures and life paths. This is part of the quest of being human, and we do well to embrace the quest in ourselves and others rather than to ignore or combat that quest.