"Chaque jour, nous luttons contre une société qui essaie de nous faire conformer à ce qu'elle veut que nous soyons."

We’re constantly in a tug-of-war with society, trying to hold on to who we are while the world around us pulls us in all sorts of directions. Society has this sneaky way of subtly pushing us to fit into neat little boxes—whether it's about how we look, the career path we choose, or even how we should think and behave.

This idea isn't new. Think about the times when you wanted to do something that felt right to you, but then you hesitated because you thought, “What will people think?” That’s society’s influence right there. The notion of conforming isn’t just a modern-day struggle. Historical context shows us that every era had its norms and pressures. In the 1960s, for instance, the counterculture movement rose as a direct rebellion against the rigid societal expectations of the time. People wanted to break free from the cookie-cutter mold of what life was “supposed” to look like—stable job, white picket fence, 2.5 kids—and sought something that felt more authentic to their personal values.

Let’s bring it to a more personal level. Imagine Sarah, a young woman passionate about painting. Her family, however, has a long lineage of doctors. From a young age, it was drilled into her that becoming a doctor was the epitome of success. Sarah tried, she really did. She spent years in pre-med courses, but her heart was never in it. She always found solace and true happiness with a brush in her hand, lost in the strokes of her art. Eventually, Sarah decided to take a bold step. She dropped out of her medical program to pursue painting full-time. It wasn’t easy. There were whispers, raised eyebrows, and even open criticism. But she persisted, and today, Sarah is a successful artist. She held her first exhibition last year, and it was a hit. She had battled society’s expectations and emerged victorious, living a life true to herself.

So, how do we navigate this tricky terrain? It’s all about self-awareness and courage. Start by really getting to know yourself—your values, your passions, what makes you tick. Once you have that grounding, it becomes easier to spot when society’s expectations are trying to pull you off track. You’ve got to have the guts to say, “No, this isn’t for me,” and stick to it. It’s not about being rebellious for the sake of it, but about protecting your authentic self.

Here’s a little scenario to think about. Imagine you're at a crossroads in your career. You've got a stable job that everyone in your circle thinks is amazing, but it doesn’t light you up. On the other hand, there’s an opportunity to do something risky but incredibly exciting. The safe choice aligns with societal expectations—steady income, prestige, predictability. The risky one? Not so much. But here’s the thing: the risky choice is what feels right to you. You lose sleep over it, not because you’re worried, but because you’re excited. You know deep down that it’s the path meant for you. By choosing it, you’re not just taking a leap of faith in your career, you’re making a stand for your authentic self.

So, next time you feel that societal tug, take a moment. Breathe. Reflect on what truly matters to you. And remember, it’s your life—live it in a way that makes you feel alive. Don’t let the world’s expectations drown out your inner voice. It’s powerful and it knows the way.