Commitments in a World of Constant Change.

In life, there aren’t wrong answers, just paths that lead us closer to what truly matters. But when faced with dilemmas like loneliness, financial issues, or fear of commitment, how do we determine the depth of our responsibility?

In my personal life,

I struggle with this in a few areas. One of my children was having a hard time in school. He adapts to the school environment as he experiences the natural transition from childhood to adolescence. 

Humans experience significant growth twice: once in the first year of life and again during puberty. Unlike infants who can sleep through their development, teenagers, especially in their first year of high school, face a barrage of responsibilities alongside their growth spurt.

As they physically mature, the external world begins to expect adult-like behavior, often overlooking the internal turmoil of adolescence.

As a mother, I found myself in a delicate position, needing to be attuned to his needs while encouraging him to meet his responsibilities without overwhelming his nervous system.

Over the years, I’ve observed many teenagers whose growth, both emotional and physical, has been stunted due to the caregiver's lack of intuition and pressure to conform to external changes rather than the sensitivities of adolescent evolution.

The consequence: 

With a lack of development in an area, a child will be missing a fundamental quality to make healthy decisions as an adult. 

Commitment vs. Temporary Solutions

The world is in constant flux, with social media, fashion, and politics constantly reshaping the landscape. Yet, the essence of our commitments, rooted in our personal values, should remain unaltered by these external shifts. 

It’s internal that remains constant, urging us to prioritize. The value lies in quality, not quantity — a principle that mirrors the essence of minimalism, allowing us to focus on genuine commitments.

The Role of Change

Change is inevitable, yet it shouldn’t sway our core commitments. Instead, it can act as a bridge to deeper dedication. Learning from temporary setbacks, whether in relationships or personal habits, provides valuable lessons that guide us toward our true goals.

The Spectrum of Commitment

Commitments can sometimes lead us astray, especially when they’re rooted in past pain or negative experiences. It’s crucial to assess your top priorities — health, relationships, spirituality, business, art — and how you recommit to these daily.

Certainties and Perceptions

Our perceptions, such as a deep-seated mistrust, often influence our commitments. This reflects on the level of commitment we have towards various aspects of our lives, including work, lifestyle, or even self-pity.

Environmental Influence vs. Personal Comfort

Comfort in oneself is significantly affected by our environment. Like needing a jacket in cold weather, our environment shapes our comfort level, highlighting the difference between expression and suppression and how we perceive commitment.

Expansion vs. Suppression

How you view commitment — either as an avenue for growth or a form of restriction — reveals much about your mindset and personal experiences. It begs the question: Are we more influenced by our surroundings than by our innate personalities?

The Path to Kindness

Resisting change and opting to be the bigger person can feel counterintuitive. However, shifting even one thought towards compassion, starting with self-kindness, can initiate a journey toward genuine, heartfelt commitment.

My Closing Thoughts

Understanding commitment involves recognizing the influence of our environment and choosing expansion over suppression. By reevaluating our commitments and embracing change as a catalyst for growth, we pave the way for a life aligned with our true values.

My Child / Children are my Billion-dollar investment. Understanding this and knowing that their development is a priority. One of the only ways of being in tune with their little environment is if I am genuinely in tune with my own environment.

So, I find myself pondering: To what extent are my daily commitments influenced by the surrounding environment, and how am I prioritizing what truly benefits my well-being?