It's the Worst Thing You Could Ever Tell Your Children
It's the worst thing you could ever tell your children.
"You can be anything you want to be."
You were rushed into a system whose jaws were open wide, to harvest and feed on every aspect of your life — until absolutely nothing is left.
There was a time when those…
12 years of school felt like a lifetime.
Those 4 years of college felt like a life-changing awakening.
But that decade in the workforce didn't feel like an ascension to heaven.
It was an unending elevator drop into a dark hell.
You're filled with anger, but don't even know who to blame.
You feel isolated…
because you're trapped in a system that was meant for those asleep.
But, you were once wide awake, and now you fight sleep.
You were taught to know that you're special — that we are all special.
You were taught to know that you're special. The American Dream showed you that you have options.
You thought, "All I have to do is put in the work. And believe."
"So delusional," is what they think when you walk by.
"Such a space cadet," is what they say when you leave the room.
" She isn't going to make it ," is what the doubt in your head echoes.
Regardless, your delusion is your life source.
Regardless, you continue to put your head down.
Regardless, your dreams continue to exist.
You look at photos of the child you used to be. You realize she is still you.
Older, smarter, adultier, and scared shitless.
Down to your core, you know you owe her the world.
So you stay strong.
When you did everything right, why does everything feel so wrong?
It's the question that lingers in the shadows of your mind.
Instead, you always ask, "What are my options?"
Because laying down isn't one.
