Just think about where you were born, what family you were born into, and who you grew up around. You simply became part of a long chain -- its links consisting of your parents, your grandparents and your siblings. Consider the momentum that this chain created -- the messages and expectations that passed from one link to the next, through generations. That chain sealed much of the fate that was to be yours. You did not have the slightest choice about the links in your life chain, but you do have a choice in what you do now!
Example: You grew up with a mother and father who believed that they, and therefore you and the rest of your family, were all second-class citizens who should keep their heads down and not make waves. You probably learned to just be glad that you were even permitted into this world.
Statistics indicate that most people are tremendously confined by the life circumstance that they inherit, totally ignoring whether this is a life they would have chosen. You don't have to mindlessly go along with this life chain you have both inherited and passively contributed to. You can begin to shape its links, actively and consciously.
Answer the questions below. Write out and save your work -- you may want to review it as the Self Matters process continues.
1. Where were you born?
2. Where do you live now?
3. What do/did your mother and father do for a living?
4. What do you do for a living?
5. What were your parents' beliefs about family? Religion? Politics? Their place in the world?
6. What are your beliefs about family? Religion? Politics? Your place in the world?
7. What is your life chain?
