In many ways, we are taught from the time we are young children to give our power to others. When told to kiss relatives or friends of family, for example, we learned to override our inner sense of knowing our right to determine for ourselves what we want to do This repression continued throughout our lives, and at this point, we may no longer even know how to hold on to our power because giving it away is ingrained and automatic.We feel that it's part of our social contract.....that we have to do this in order to survive.
But, it is possible to live in a way that preserves our integrity and stability. Begin by listening to the inner voice which continues to let us know what we want, no matter how many times we override its messages. Don't buy into trends. Don't allow others to make our decisions for us or not voicing an opinion when an inappropriate joke is made. As we learn to pay attention to our inner voice and build a relationship with our power, we begin to see that we don't always have to do what we're being asked to do by others. All we have to do is have the confidence to listen to our own voice and let it guide us to make our own decisions in life. (based on the Daily OM)
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To this I would add that acting on what you, not others, want of yourself, may be frightening at first. In fact, it may be terrifying! After all, you will no longer be able to blame others!:-) But, this is what being an adult IS. And, I promise, you will grow in your happiness!
