From Joseph’s Mind

The eagle is my favorite bird. Found only in select regions of the world and a minority in the bird population, its complexities and simplicities, modes and executions, successes and failures, intrinsic characteristics and habitual patterns many derived from ecological demands, rank it high in resilience, fortitude and aptitude within a harsh, unforgiving ecosystem. Eagles traverse where no bird has dared to explore. Flying higher than any other bird, living in harsh environments often in solitude while employing unfathomable dexterities.
I guess it would be much easier for the eagle if she lived like other birds. In pretty, untouched environments complete with a lovely nest while enjoying peace and tranquility in a beautiful rainforest. That is the dream life for a bird. No reason to worry not a care in the world. Just singing away life in a state of infinite indulgence. Oh…and don’t forget the evening cruise on cloud street with the homeboys. Flying in grandeur formations, capturing the attention of all living creatures that bother to look up. However, that is the life chosen by the mainstream flock. The eagle is in its own class. Luxury takes a back seat. Solitude is cherished rather than the company of mediocrity. Eagles choose the harshest environments; fly high above in thin air, constantly hunting and defending its eminence among the best of the best.
It is easy to conform to the norms; to wish to be like everyone else or to want to emulate someone else. We live in a society where one is expected to act in a certain way, to take certain careers. One is ranked in mediocre standards. What kind of clothes one wears, what kind of vehicle one drives, what kind of job one has, what country club membership one holds, and so on and so forth. I know of individuals who took up golfing just because it would place them in a certain “class” and would enable them to brush shoulders with the rich and affluent. In regress, this is not in any way putting down the merit and benefits of networking. Networking is important for any individual who wants to advance in life but networking to boost egos sets in new lows of mediocrity.
This author is not promoting eccentricities or extricating behaviors but rather implying that it is possible to be normal without feeling like a duplicate. The need for self-identity is mostly expressed in the adolescent years but fades as people decide to blend in with society. The unique behavioral DNA is thus bleached and fades into the darkness. The fear of being ostracized by friends and family leads many of us to living unhappy lives trying to please the influences in our lives. It is critical for us to just step back and ask us the often-difficult questions we try to avoid. For example, am I happy? Why am I in this career? What do I have to lose? Many a times it is necessary for us to take great risks to achieve personal gains and growth. To put it simply, you were not put on this earth to earn a paycheck although it many times feels that way.
The great leaders and pioneers of our times have many times grown from shoots of simplicity to monumental and influential pillars of mankind. They refused to conform and chose to break away to carve their own destinies. I am a great admire of Martin Luther King, John F Kennedy, Collin Powell, Nelson Mandela, Jomo Kenyatta, Kwame Nkrumah, Steve Biko and yes… sometimes George W Bush. Sometimes when you go through the trials of life, the bullshit falls off like dead skin. It changes your inner core and opens up your mind to a totally different dimension. One thing I despise is being inculcated as to whom I should be. I view conformity with contempt and demand only one thing- the fundamental right to have my own identity. Being yourself is not a luxury or a privilege; it’s your right. You have a right to be you. To be pressured to be anything else is a licentious and an ignominy to the human race. You are the eagle that flies in lonely skies and traverses paths that few have found. Don’t be afraid; spread your wings and fly high. Lift your head up for you are the eagle among the sparrows. As for the rest of the miserable world, they can take you as you are or leave you in their misguided opinion of who they think you should be. Kapish!

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