Consumption

To be fully engulfed in the flames of opinion, expectation, and circumstance. 

You may let the heat warm you, but understand that burns come with it. 

The moment you start doing things for other people instead of yourself, the line of what you should do and what you think you should do will blur. 

Because judgment usually comes before the will to understand, which leads to misunderstanding and conflict. 

And depending on who you are, to avoid conflict and misunderstanding, you'll do only the things that are understood. Because it's easier. 

Voices will call you off your path, showing you a version of yourself you could be. Which is okay, because life isn't meant to be linear. It's meant to have detours and challenges along the way to help you evolve.

But if you stray too far for too long, you might just forget the person you left behind. 

So on your detour, you need to ask the question "Am I doing this to put a smile on my face or the faces of those around me?"  

And if you answer yes to the second option, you need to consider the fact that you might slip. Do something that you'll be judged for. Those smiles will fall, and if keeping them up was motivating your actions, what will you do? 

Behind you will be faded tracks of someone hypnotized by voices that were put on a pedestal that should have stayed in the crowd. And in front of you will be a wall, because when people make up their mind about someone, it’s almost impossible to get through to them. 

So when you see the flames of opinion, expectation, and circumstance, don’t follow in Icarus’ footsteps. Don't let the heat consume you. But as you pass by, listen to the words it tells you, hold on to them, and when you’ve evolved, let them go.