Introduction From the moment we are born, we are moulded into certain identities by our family, our school, and society at large. "You're mature for your age", "You're a smart young person", or "You're very strong" - such affirmations from our adult influences can bolster our self-esteem. But there are also darker assertions - "You're very bold", "You're not trying hard enough", "Why aren't you more like such and such" - that shape us, often casting long shadows over our adult lives. It's in these shadows where self-doubt, insecurity, and a distorted sense of self can take root. Unraveling childhood expectations
The expectations laid upon us in childhood are well-meaning, most of the time, but they can limit our growth. They may inadvertently turn us into people we are not, obscuring our true identities beneath layers of imposed character traits and aspirations. It's like being trapped in a costume, one that doesn't fit right but we're obliged to wear anyway. Interestingly, it's not just the negative affirmations that can weigh us down. Even positive ones like "you're so intelligent", or "you're so brave" can create an unrealistic standard that we spend our lives trying to uphold. Falling short of these standards, as we inevitably will at times, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a pervasive sense of failure. The renowned psychologist Carl Rogers argued that this mismatch between our 'self-concept' (how we view ourselves) and 'ideal self' (who we want to be), leads to a state of 'incongruity', a fundamental source of anxiety and discontent. So, the journey to self-discovery begins with questioning and, if necessary, discarding the identities thrust upon us in our formative years. Effects of negative affirmations Negative affirmations can be particularly detrimental. Labels such as 'bold' or 'lazy' create an internal narrative that's hard to shake off. Such words can brand an impressionable child, leading to self-fulfilling prophecies of underachievement and failure. Emerging research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology suggests that these emotionally traumatic experiences can even influence our physical health, underlining the vital importance of positive affirmation and emotional support in early life. The path to self-discovery The antidote to this issue, according to many philosophers and psychologists, is to embark on a journey of self-discovery. The existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre argued that we are 'condemned to be free', meaning we are responsible for creating our identities, independent of societal expectations. The journey might begin with introspection, questioning what truly drives us, what we value, and who we aspire to be. It involves shedding the weight of childhood identity and growing into our authentic selves. Final thoughts It's not easy to break away from the identities that have been foisted upon us since childhood. But it's crucial for our happiness and inner peace. Only by setting aside these borrowed identities can we start forming our true selves. This challenging but rewarding journey paves the way for a more fulfilling life, defined not by how others perceive us, but by who we truly are. In doing so, we make peace with our past, embrace our present, and look forward to a future where we are the authors of our own identities. As Sartre aptly put it, "We are our choices." Let's ensure they are truly ours. This is the essence of personal growth – the courage to be authentic in a world that is quick to label and slow to understand. It's not an easy path, but it's one that leads to inner peace, fulfillment, and true self-expression.
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AuthorEmmett Corcoran Archives
February 2025
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