“You never understand the present until it is past.”
An incident earlier today have gave me a strong revelation in learned behaviors (remember Pavlov’s dogs and learning theory?) Whatever we learnt, observed and experienced when we were young would determine how we behave now. It is not innate but learned.
Here’s an example. A very mild one.
I used to hold my utensils, especially spoons, the normal way when I was a cute kid. Now, I still remained a kid, with “WEIRD” plastered across my forehead because of my unique method. The story behind this - I got completely spooked off by an episode from Young Kindaichi.
It was an investigation for murders in a theater group. Clowns, red hotel rooms, brrrr, eerie. The murderer was caught because of her oddity in holding spoons. She has those menacing killer eyes that haunted me for the next few days. I was only an elementary kid then. And her weird way caught on to me unknowingly until everyone started criticizing me and I chanced upon the same episode many years later.
All memories flooded back. Does it sound as if I was possessed? Eeeks. Whether is it cognitive or behaviorism, I cannot seem to get rid of the habit.
Similarly, to many others whom are struggling to overcome their fearful past, it is definitely hard. But if there is any inspiring encouragement, this cliche quote is for you. “If there is a will, there will always be a way.”
Tell me your success story. And for myself, I wonder if I should rid the learned oddity too. Hmm… It’s kinda unique though! ;)
