Life's Pressure: Living out your life or living out their expectations?

I am worried that one day you will wake up and realize that this life isn't the one you wanted but the one you have been served because of your poor choices. I

Many times, we wonder why we are so unhappy. Happy is contentment. Contentment is taking pleasure in the little things that bring your soul joy.

Now imagine being unable to do that, unable to do the things that bring you joy. Imagine being manipulated or forced into living out someone’s expectations and not your own true desires… would happy be possible?

As an Adolescent

I’m worried about how life starts out for an average Nigerian teenager

I’m worried about how parents start training children to try to be who they are not from the onset of their lives: Look at your sister! Be like her! Why not try science class? Art is for dull children.

I’m worried about how we unconsciously create self-esteem issues in children, comparing them to their siblings or the next child in their classroom.

 

 As a Youth

I’m worried about the half-baked life experienced by a Nigerian youth because they are living out your expectations and not their true desires. They are afraid to be themselves for the fear of being cast out, judged or not being enough as they are.

I’m worried about all the unnecessary expectations heaved on our backs to achieve at a certain pace rather than following the timing of our destiny.

Look at your mate! 25 under 25!  30 under 30! What are you doing with your life? Look at your mate! Married at 25! 2 kids at 28. Why are you still unmarried? What are you doing with your life? Look at your mate! A serial entrepreneur at 27! Employing others... why are you still working a 9-5? Do you want to die a slave?

Read Also: Blessings & Curses.

I’m worried about the entitlists and labelists amongst us, who try to impose on you what a woman or man’s role is. Who demand you act in a certain way just because they feel entitled to it!

I’m worried about all the young men and women working jobs that they do not love to join the league of the “working class”.

I’m worried about all the people spending money they do not have to join the ivy league of people who are living ‘the life’.

I am worried about all the people lost in the sauce, keeping up appearances and living out other people’s dreams.

 

As an Adult

I’m worried about the adult life of a Nigerian. How they look back and wonder how am I here? why am I so unhappy and unfulfilled?  Why have I worked 20years in a job I hate? Why did I marry someone that doesn’t love me? Whom my heart doesn’t beat for? Why am I trying to do to my kids what my parents did to me?

The Realization

I am worried that one day you will wake up and realize that this life isn't the one you wanted but the one you have been served because of your poor choices. I am worried about what your course of action will be on such a day when you realize that you have lived for the society and not as a true expression of your soul. When you realize you have denied yourself the right to be true to who you really are in other to please the society. I’m worried about how all the man-made rules we create stifle growth and potential for wholesomeness in self-identity

To be continued….

Written by Eniola Oyeks.

Eniola Oyeks is an amateur writer who seeks to inspire people through her writings. She believes the world is full of so much emotions that needs expression. She writes about love, heartbreak, self-identity, self growth, communication, religion, work and loss. Her writings are inspired by her journey and yours, she taps into emotions around her and writes about them like its hers. Instagram: @eniolaoyeks Twitter: @eniolaoyeks

posted by Campus94