Traditional Or Not

   
     Traditional, nostalgic, and disciplined or modern, futuristic, and spontaneous, all are words that can describe your values and influence your choices.  Some people find comfort in repeating religious rituals and holiday celebrations.  Others feel uncomfortable with the pressure to conform, to be expected to do what others do, to give up their freedom to be different.
     In nature, one day seems much like the next with the exceptions of oncoming spring and fall, seeds sprouting then harvest.  Humans began the first "special" days celebrating the promise and return of spring and the bounty of harvest.  Then things started to get complicated.
     Often, we easily accept the calendar of events in our culture, special days calling for certain activities.  Our traditions, started centuries ago or more recently, may guide our lives.  Emotional nostalgia seems to affect our acceptance.  We may like the predictability of what comes next.  Even guilt can play a part when we don't do what is expected.
     While enjoying some traditions, some of us may prefer our freedom to question the wisdom of following them.  After all, someone else has created this calendar to suit their purposes.  We may begin to feel uncomfortable with pressures to conform to what others want us to do and perhaps go along with some traditions to produce harmony.  The last thing we want to do is judge or criticize what others wish to do.
     Tradition has its upside and downside.  The upside must be obvious since we hold true to many traditional activities.  One downside is we may only value our own traditions.  Another downside is the pressure to spend time and money on the celebrations.  Lastly, traditions may limit other possibilities.
     Use your freedom and encourage others to use theirs.  Realize your past decisions have influenced those around you.  Be careful that you don't pressure others to go along with your decisions.  Question and challenge traditions.