Why do I get into these areas? I truly do not know. It has been an integral part of these postings to often sit and begin to write without a defined idea, letting the "cursory pen" take me where it may. This is a very personal topic; I am not sure as to why it came out now. In fact, I was not sure I would post it and still have the second half left to ponder. Anyhow, since there are not many of you out there reading, perhaps it is simply a personal reflection looking for some inner clarification.
The concept of commitment is usually expressed (although not necessarily understood) at different levels within our psyche. There is the simpler everyday commitment that is related to the work we do: deadlines, payments, food, clothing, work in general. This type of commitment is easily understood and managed. It allows the daily routines to exist and, in being so, to maintain some basic order in our lives.
There is the commitment to follow a cause, religion or creed we may choose as the one to spouse and trust. That commitment is a little more complex, since it will have to be expressed as a way of life. Not all of us can successfully achieve –and maintain- that change in our daily living. Those who honestly can, will attest to a peace of mind which is difficult to rival. But, that is also a defined commitment. Yes, more complicated to achieve and maintain, but also “followable” once it is identified and defined. The path is there and it can be walked, if so chosen.
Then, personal commitment comes knocking at the door. This type of commitment can be taken to more than one level as well. Friendship is the simpler, yet complex level. One commits to another individual who has been known and trusted for some time, usually a number of years. With this person we have shared good and bad moments and there has been mutual, unconditional support when needed. Seldom is this level of commitment challenged.
Commitment to one’s children; this one is born of the blood and impressed genes. It is also unconditional and it will last for a lifetime. It is almost like it has a life of its own because, no matter what happens, it will persist. Does this mean that there will be no failures of support or follow up? No, definitely not. Sometimes in that chosen life road, there will be moments when this commitment will be temporarily put aside out of circumstances and/or necessity, yet always maintaining that real or imagined umbilical cord which somehow manages to keep us informed as to the wherewithal of our children. In this, mothers are more defined than fathers. Perhaps an inborn trait, gene or radar scope; who knows?
Blood family has a line of its own here. These are brothers, sisters, cousins, parents (not always the same level of commitment goes up than comes down the parental line), aunts, uncles, etc. This is born from having been raised within the circle of a family and of the bloodlines which exist in that family unit. It is not guaranteed and often, as the years go by and we become adults, it loses strength and in some of the more distant cases, it may even disappear in the distant past. What is usually true under this particular heading, is that the further the blood line goes from the central unit, the thinner it is and the weaker the commitment becomes.
Final thoughts tomorrow... maybe!!
Be Well!!
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