Taboo, as an adjective, is defined as “prohibited or restricted by social custom.”
I have come to believe perhaps taboos are simply due to one’s own inability to be open to other’s lifestyles or choices. Also, an individual, or group, may be unhappy with their life and thus feel the need to criticize another’s choices. When you judge, you are simply hurting yourself by not allowing yourself to experience love on a minute by minute basis. Instead, you are holding on to judgments and not allowing yourself to be the bigger person in life thus, seeing the person for who they truly are.
For instance, in the United States often tattoos are considered taboo. Don’t lie, if you don’t have them you may have looked at the individual flaunting them and judge. You wonder, what type of person would get tattoos or what inspired them to do something so permanent to their body (in the past, I have even done it, I am admitting guilt and know I am not perfect). However, before you judge next consider the person who has them. What if they had a past traumatic experience and they began self-expression through body art. Perhaps, they decided on a tattoo of their grandparents names as a reminder of dear loved ones that have now become their guardian angels. Or, I recently saw a picture of someone who had the words “Discipline Your Dedication” tattooed down their side to remind them of their desire to be fit and remain dedicated to their healthy lifestyle, also reminding them of where they came from and where they are going. What if the person showcasing their tattoos has so much love in their heart and they do so much good, for example everyday they donate any spare change they have to the homeless man they pass along the street corner on their way to work. My thought: One cannot possibly begin to judge another being simply based on a way of self-expression.
Another taboo: Bodybuilding for women, especially. If a woman wants to get crazy, amazingly fit and strong with beautiful muscles, who is it to judge or tell her she is doing something wrong? Women will NEVER bulk like men because we simply do not have the testosterone men have. The dedication needed to obtain a body that can compete among the best in some of the most elite fitness competitions across the country is extraordinary and instead of judging we could most definitely afford to learn something from these women. They are strong, dedicated, disciplined, and most of all beautiful for allowing nothing nor no one to get in the way of their dreams.
Age tends to be a taboo in a variety of ways. The age you marry or decide to have kids. What if you are just exploring in your twenties? Dating those who are worthwhile regardless of age or life experiences. No judgement, your twenties are the time to explore and get real about who you are and where you are going, not to mention what you want out of life. What if you fall in love with someone eight years younger or twenty years older, if you truly love then that is rare and you should soak it up for as long as you can and feel lucky and blessed you found someone to share such a brief glimpse of time with. What age are you going to stop worrying about being active or fit (for those who are older why shouldn’t you be able to walk and be fit for as long as you live?). If you are a certain age for instance right out of college you should immediately have a job. Eventually, you should own a car, a new and expensive one to show much money you have while you flaunt it to the world. Instead of following along, what if you lived within your means, saved money so that you could enjoy a little more lavish lifestyle when you retire. In the meantime, share some money with others who are more in need and desperate, struggling to survive. You’ll have less to flaunt to all your neighbors but I bet you will be able to sleep better at night and be less stressed about financial struggles while feeling better knowing you did a few good deeds along the way.
What about walking away from civilization and living off the land. I would bet that individuals who live such lifestyles are much happier. After being in the city yesterday so many people look unhappy, are glued to technology (walking while texting, emailing, conversing on the phone) and missing so many of the sites they continue to miss everyday. They look stressed and unhappy. Truthfully, I think a little green grass, tall trees, and gardening could do those people some good. There is such a healthy energy vibrating from the Earth. Have you stepped barefoot onto the green grass today? Where I live, time is running out until Spring time, I suggest you get some healthy chi and reground your body while you reconnect with the Earth you’ll probbaly feel significanty more relaxed by doing this simple tasks, and I know you have at least five minutes to spare.
Check out this article on the benefits of reconnecting with Earth http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/benefits-reconnecting-earth
My only thought is this: If you want something bad enough then don’t let others judgments about you hold you back. You are so much bigger than simple judgments about who you are from those you don’t know. If the judgments are coming from your family perhaps start with a conversation or just ask them: Why do you need to judge me? Am I not living the desired life you want for me? If so, shouldn’t that end with my decision? Also, are you trying to guide me in the best possible route in life in hopes of reliving your life through me? What was your past like? Are you insecure about something which is making you push me into being something or someone I do not want to be or am simply not ready for? You should be free to live as you choose – as long as you are respectful of others and choose to live a lifestyle where you help others along the way and do not harm. The sky is the limit and whatever you desire or dream of you can conquer and acquire. Remember, just don’t harm anyone on your way to the top; perhaps, you could always reach behind and grab a hand or two on your way up! It’s can be as simple as a smile or buying a coffee, no nice deed goes unnoticed. Help and love others and you will be helped too.
Remember, the sky is the limit. Don’t live by someone else’s standards, be bold and create your own life. Exactly how you imagined.
IslaLove 