When is a rule, not a rule? We grow up thinking many things are set in stone. There are rules all around us. Some for fire safety. Some to protect our possessions. Some to keep things the way they’ve always been.
What becomes more complicated is the idea of societal norms. A societal norm is a way people behave, which has become so familiar people think of them as rules when in truth, they are not.
So, while we’re toeing the line, and there might be a time and place for this, sometimes it can do more harm than good, especially when it comes to doing what’s right for the sake of your mental health and emotional well-being.
For some odd reason, many people seam to need to be told what to do, how the think, and what to follow. We have built up an artificial hierarchical structure that keeps all of us trapped. The need for social order is one thing, but the need for total compliance, and the penalty of social shame is nonproductive, and I am being kind.
So…The question is, how do you know which societal norms you must break to be true to yourself? Check out some of these concepts
“This is the Way It’s Always Been Done”
It seems no matter what you’re talking about, trying to convince someone they should do something different is always an uphill battle. After all, it’s always easier to keep things exactly as they are. Change is difficult. Which is why it’s hard to convince ourselves sometimes just how much success relies on change. You can’t get anywhere at all if you’re always doing the same thing over and over. Think about what norms are keeping you playing small or otherwise limiting your options.
“It’s Expected”
Everyone has expectations. Our parents might put certain educational expectations on us. Our friends expect us to do what they’re doing, especially when it comes to marrying or having kids. Even our significant other expects us to behave in specific ways sometimes. The problem? When we live to other’s expectations, we forget to stay true to ourselves. Maybe we don’t want college or kids. Or our picture of success is entirely different from someone else’s. What expectations are other people holding you to? Who’s life are you playing out?
Mirror Images
We should all be exactly alike. Right? Sometimes it seems this way. We discourage those who are different from the norm and even make fun of them for being odd or eccentric. How does this make you feel when you want to do something a little ‘different’ from everyone else? It takes courage to stop being a mirror image of those around you. The weapon of social shame is used towards those who dare to be different or unique. Where have you limited yourself due to the fear of social shame? Who has used a form of social shame against you, and is it productive to have them in your circle?
It’s What You See
We love movies, tv; the internet…we also love to listen to what media tells us about absolutely everything. We make celebrities our role models and take for gospel truth information from the sketchiest of sources sometimes. Isn’t it better to think for yourself and decide what’s right and wrong? From what areas do you build your view of the world? What sources do you use for information, and do you double check?
Forget societal norms. They were created by people like you who got tired of whatever the old status quo used to be. Life isn’t supposed to be this hard. Keep things simple by staying true to yourself, and your life will be so much happier.
Easier said than done
Yes, a lot of advice on the net sounds good and simple, but even if you believe that some of the advice you see is good, it is often easier said than done in real life. We have lived our lives already steeped in what ever influences we have. How do we then stop, and step into something new?
If you have heavy Aquarius, Sagittarius, Gemini or Aries energy, you may find it easier to go your own way. If you are a Lifepath 4, 1, or 7, it may come natural to be different or have your own prospective. However, each and every one of us can step into our own power.
Going Deeper
If you are tired of playing small or following other’s rules, book a reading with me so we can take a look at the power points in your chart, look at your number forecast, and ways you can find happiness each day. While we do not want to live in a lawless society, we also want to live in a land that allows us to be free. The Numbers will count down to your freedom!