Are You Truly in Control of Your Life?
Growing up in a highly disciplined or authoritarian household can shape how we navigate life in profound ways. Some individuals internalize the rules and norms they were raised with, following them without question, while others react against them, defining themselves by opposition rather than genuine personal values. In both cases, our upbringing continues to exert control over us, whether through obedience or defiance.
For many, this strict upbringing is more than just discipline—it can be a misuse of parental power stemming from fear, unresolved trauma, or a need for control. Authoritarian parenting often leaves children feeling powerless, constantly seeking approval, or rebelling in ways that still tie them to the very system they reject. This can mirror patterns of emotional abuse, where a parent’s unchecked fears and insecurities dictate the environment, shaping a child's sense of self-worth and autonomy.
Many people walk through life on autopilot, unaware of how much they are re-enacting what they learned in childhood. But true self-mastery comes from conscious reflection and intentional decision-making—not from blindly following or rebelling against the past.
