Maturity, the price you pay

I grew up with a chip on my shoulder. For some reason I was angry with the world and didn't know why. If I was honest with myself, I would have seen that I was blaming the world for all my problems.

One day I met the Holy Enlightened One who said to me, "It's all your fault.

"My fault? All of it?"

"Yes, your fault. All of it."

That struck a chord in me. From that day on I started blaming myself for everything. My problems, neighbors' problems, the world's problems. It was all my fault.

But why was it my fault? Miraculously I heard a voice saying, "Because you're stupid."

Strange as it sounds that made sense to me. So I started reeducating myself. With education came surprises. Problems that were once difficult became easily solved. My life attained a tranquility I had never known before. One puzzle still evaded me. When did it all happen?

Looking back on my life, I was born innocent and empty of all knowledge. When I was old enough, I was put in the care of others to be educated. Whatever it is that they put into my brain made me stupid.

When I finally found my answer I became angry and back with a chip on my shoulder. But it won't stay on my shoulder. Because if it did and I allowed myself to stay angry then it would be my fault.