Becoming/unbecoming

When we are children, we are told what our self should be.

Kind.

Productive.

Curious.

Courteous.

And that is if you are lucky.

 

If you are not lucky, you are told that your self should be:

Quiet, if you know what’s good for you.

Obedient.

Distrustful.

Unseen.

Less of a burden to those around you.

 

You see self modeled as:

Argumentative

Tired

Ungrateful

Apologetic

But never for actual transgressions

 

And your self is never allowed to be:

Questioning

Authentic

Assured

Accepting

Perceived as weak, or weird, or wild

 

What damages to our selves could we undo by unlearning all that we were told to be? All that we were forbidden from becoming?