Expectations

Expectations. She had put them on herself, she had let others put them on her, she had even taken them when they weren’t given. Like a cage, they would rise up and lock her in. Forcing her to make choices that did not reflect what she desired but instead reflected what she thought everyone else wanted.

Today was no different the expectations were there. She had been doing this dance for so many years now, that she had a hard time deciphering between the ones she heaped over her own shoulders and the ones bestowed upon her unknowingly by the people around her, loved ones, friends, light acquaintances, even strangers. 

Did she want what she was about to get herself into? A choice that would stick with her for the rest of her life. A choice that would change the path she might have been on otherwise. 

She tried to imagine her life, how it would be if she said no, how it would be if she turned against the expectation. She tried to dig deep, to listen to her inner voice. What was it saying? Was it even kicking its heels in protest, she couldn’t tell?