-
Give illustrations of ways in which specific styles of foolishness were learned in your early years.
-
Keeping to myself to avoid trouble created a “hermit-type” of personality causing me to have a hard time with building close relationships. Seeing the struggles in my parents’ marriage while growing up lead me to not be too keen on trying to be in longstanding relationships even though their marriage has persevered over many decades.
-
Although I don’t recall many details from my early years, one thing is certain: that’s when I first discovered my ability to shape-shift. It was during that time that I honed my skills of blending into the background and adapting to my surroundings. I did this primarily to maintain my psychological well-being and avoid becoming a burden to others.
-
I struggled with procrastination in my earlier years, even when I became a Christian. When I reflected over it, I think it may gave been something that I begin to encounter when I was about 5 years old. Without going into details, I was put in a situation between my significant others where I learnt that my words and actions can have grave consequences on others. Growing up with that mindset, I was very cautious with my words, written or spoken and as far as possible, avoid making decisions for fear of the outcome. I learned it was safer to keep my thoughts and feelings to myself.
At the same time, I also came to the conclusion that people cannot be trusted, even those I loved or looked up to. I think that made it difficult for me to trust people and develop deep, permanent relationship despite my wide circle of friends. When relationship gets too personal or too close for comfort, there was I think a subconscious effort to self-sabotage that particular relationship.
Maybe because of those experiences, it reinforce my foolishness to deal with my circumstances without God. I found it difficult to fully trust God with my life when I became a Christian. It felt safer to depend on myself instead of entrusting me to another being, even if it is God Himself. The thought of God as my heavenly Father did not bring that sense of security or protection that it was suppose to evoke. -
I learned that good behavior was very rewarded and could be used as a means to that end. I also tried to be very stubbornly self-sufficient.
-
I heard my parents boast of my grades and accomplishments to others and it let know that it was a good thing. I also was asked to do a lot of things and was trusted with higher responsibilities at younger ages confirming my foolishness.