A heavy fact to weigh is understanding that our life began through our parents. The way we began learning, the advice we sought out in childhood all dated back to the years with mom and dad.
Parents felt good to fall back on until the day of independence. I carry around such an impending feeling of needing to figure out everything through the use of my own resources that I’ve now arrived at a point where my parents feel left out. If I have to grow so quickly in this rapidly paced and ever-changing environment, then how can I find time to consult the people who carry the opinions I’ve previously always made time for?
I’m waiting for this day when I will wake up with the ability to value what my mind has to say, while taking into consideration those ideals that all those who care for me wish to see me carry through with. In recent days, all the words I’ve heard have crept into my dreams and flourished in my everyday realities, but then I’ll experience these rare moments when I make a choice without consulting anyone. The result is this severe feeling of independence in which I’m doing or completing something innovative. Deciding to see a doctor a few weeks back when my throat looked like a crime scene was a minor example of this feeling of success.
I filled out the paperwork, waited for my name to be called, answered questions regarding my own health, and then waited for the doctor until he arrived, examined, concluded that nothing in my system was viral and sent me away with allergy medication. It’s not a thriller, but doing a routine task that is so synonymous with parental guidance gave me the impression that I could conquer anything life chose to give me. I was amused at the sense of entitlement I gained on my first independent trip to the doctor’s office, but I’ll never stop missing the days of going with my dad at an awkward age of 14 and compiling jokes out of sitting in a small room decorated for childhood entertainment. It was something else I didn’t have to think about. Seeing the doctor? What more did I have to do than be physically present?
Growing up, it seemed to be rude or inconsiderate if I chose to deviate from the advice my parents gave. What I learned, though, was that, while your parents can serve as experienced guides in the process of figuring out your life, you’re the only person who absolutely knows what’s best for you. If you’re not willing to listen to your most internal voice and desires, no one else will be there to record what it’s saying, and that produces a missed opportunity.
Should I be worrying that the route of my life is only taking me to the ocean this summer? Should I devise another semester’s schedule around acquiring new knowledge that doesn’t necessarily fit into my major? The choices remain abundant, but the answers will come whether we choose to keep thinking about it or not — just don’t forget to consult your parents on problems and choices, as bringing them up to speed on your life can be quite overwhelming.
Garrett Lemery is a freshman studying communications at Ohio University and a columnist for The Post. How often do you consult your parents? Email Garrett at gl496111@ohiou.edu.
