Embracing My Individuality: A Journey Beyond Cultural Conditioning
Embracing My Individuality: A Journey Beyond Cultural Conditioning
Growing up, I always felt like I was different from those around me. I never quite fit in with the cultural norms and expectations that were placed on me, and often felt like an outsider. But as I grew older and began to embrace my individuality, I realized that being considered “wrong” by those who are still victims of cultural conditioning is actually a compliment.
Cultural conditioning is a profound influence on our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours. We are taught from a young age what is acceptable and unacceptable, what is right and wrong, and how we should think and feel about ourselves and others. However, as we get older and start to question our beliefs and attitudes, we may find ourselves in conflict with the cultural conditioning that surrounds us.
For me, this meant challenging the expectations that were placed on me as a woman. I began to question the messages that I had internalized about who I was supposed to be and what I was supposed to do with my life. And as I did so, I found that many people around me were uncomfortable with my newfound sense of freedom and individuality.
At times, I was called “rebellious” for challenging cultural norms and expectations. But rather than feeling ashamed or embarrassed, I began to see these labels as a compliment. Being considered “wrong” by those who are still trapped in cultural conditioning meant that I was breaking free from the limitations that had been placed on me. It meant that I was no longer content to simply accept the status quo but was instead forging my own path.
When I began traveling around the world as a single woman for work, I faced similar challenges. As a woman traveling alone, I was often called names and told that it was not appropriate for a woman to go on trips without a man by her side. But I refused to let these comments hold me back. I knew that traveling and working overseas was a passion of mine and that it was something that I needed to do for my own personal growth and development. By breaking free from the cultural conditioning that had taught me to be dependent on men for my safety and protection, I was able to explore the world on my own terms, look after myself and learn more about myself in the process.
I also faced challenges when I began to get involved in human rights rallies and activism. Many people around me told me that I was embarrassing myself by speaking out and that it was not a woman’s place to be involved in such things. But I refused to be silenced. I knew that fighting for justice and equality was important and that I had a duty to use my voice to help those who were suffering. By breaking free from the cultural conditioning that had taught me to be passive and obedient, I was able to become an advocate for change and make a real difference.
I had many opportunities to start successful businesses at a young age, this was just another challenge that I faced. I was told that it was not a woman’s job to run a business. I watched for years as my ideas of business blossomed in front of me by other men or friends and family who I had shared my vision with. I watched as my family held me back from progressing to what I wanted. I thought that marriage would be my escape to being able to start anew; however, it seemed that the mentality of cultural conditioning was also embedded in my ex-husband. I knew that I had a passion for entrepreneurship and that I had the skills and knowledge to succeed. By breaking free from the cultural chains, I was now able to launch my own business and achieve my goal.
One of the most difficult moments was when I decided to get divorced and leave my abusive husband while pregnant and with a toddler. Many people around me were disappointed for leaving, telling me that I was abandoning my responsibilities and that it was my duty as a wife to stay with my husband no matter what. The community started to get involved: “What about the kids?”, “How can you raise your children without a father?”, “Who will support you?”, “You will never marry again?”, “You should have stayed for the kids!”, “You think you’re the only woman who has been abused?”, “Just stay out of his way when he’s angry.”, “You have brought shame to the family”, “Now you have made divorce an option for your sisters!”, “You must have done something wrong for him to do what he did!” and it went on and on and on! It was the hardest time for me. But I knew deep down that staying in that situation would have been far more damaging to myself and my children in the long run. Leaving t had taught me to prioritize my own needs, my mental health, and the safety of myself and my children. This was one of the hardest yet most empowering things I have ever done.
Of course, overcoming cultural conditioning is not simple. It can be a painful and challenging process, and it often calls for us to face our own anxieties and insecurities. But as we get older, we should be able to put common sense into practice and link it with our faith. We can embrace aspects of our cultural heritage that align with our values, while also confronting societal ills such as segregation, individual judgment, and oppression. The benefits of taking charge of my life and figuring out what is good and wrong were enormous. We can live more real and happy lives by embracing our uniqueness and rejecting the teachings of societal indoctrination.
The truth is those who are still stuck in harmful traditions and uneducated cultural conditioning are the wrong ones. They are the ones who are limiting themselves and holding themselves back from their true potential. They are the ones who are fighting internal demons and struggling to find meaning and purpose in their lives. But by breaking free from cultural conditioning and embracing our individuality, we can live more authentic and fulfilling lives. So, let us continue to challenge the status quo, to question cultural norms and expectations, strengthen our faith and to be proud of our unique identities. Remember, being considered “wrong” by those who are still victims of cultural conditioning is not a bad thing – it means that we are breaking free from the limitations that have been placed on us and forging our own paths towards a brighter future.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be better, do better, and enjoy the little time we have on this earth. All women deserve the opportunity to shine, free from the constraints of cultural conditioning. Don’t let any old-school foolish teaching tell you otherwise. Keep shining brightly!
Rhoda Chaalan
