discipline
...aged to start driving a car during the teenage years, earned a high school and/or college degree, etc. Such challenges and ordeals are expected. They are perceived as being completely natural and acceptable. Society encourages the pursuit of them and rewards their conquering. Many of us, however, face challenges of a different sort in our lives. These challenges stem from decisions made by the individual, not by society or its norms. In fact, the very reason why such a decision quite often sets challenges ahead for the individual who makes it is due to the fact that it goes completely against societal expectations. The initial conscious decision to go against the grain and not fall into line often sets the stage for a slue of hardships and tribulations, and, chances are it will result in a life-long battle to maintain devotion. I made such a decision. Around the age of 17, I began to notice that my belief system was becoming increasingly opposed to that of...