The promise

From an early age, the exploits of a child with an extraordinary future stood out: a promising young man.

Educated, well-behaved, smart.

Little Gentleman, Wise Young Man; it seemed that as the years passed and the child grew up, his pseudonyms, always imposed by someone else, denoted innate progress and growth.

He never sought nor attempted to be number one in what he did, academically. The statistics defined him as such or kept him on that podium; However, after all, a grade does not define your capacity.

He didn't realize what he was achieving, or maybe he did. Maybe he was so used to be the first one, that it turned something normal. Something obvious.

The change from one educational reality to another impacted him. He felt the hit. This did not change the fact that everybody continues to consider him as a promise, staying him on a podium.

Even in soccer, "this boy promises", "he plays very well." At least that's what he heard in his childhood, he believed them.

He fulfilled what he had to fulfill at specific ages. He complied and followed the protocol. I am pleased to say that it was not out of obligation, but out of sincere desire and self-love.

Over the years, he realized that the promising future he had, became present. Or is it still too early to tell it? He grew up listening, knowing, and internalizing that he was a promise.

A promise in his studies, as a professional, in his relationships, in his job positions. A promise to his family, to his friends, to his community.

And do you know what should happen to promises?

What?

Must be kept.

Have you kept them?

That is the detail. The young man, now an adult, realized that those promises were expectations of the ones he loved most. Expectations for good, of course. But expectations at the end of the day.

Do you mean that his reality is different nowadays?

I don't know, he doesn't know either. He didn't draw those expectations, he can't make a comparison. We should ask his loved ones.

Are you complaining that since childhood and until today they recognize your ability so much that they expect the best of you, young promise?

Not at all.

So? You should continue to strive to keep them. Some people have bet on you; not only that, they have invested in you.

I know it, and I am very grateful for it. I have tried and I try to give it back in the best way.
So? Or do you think that those promises, or expectations as you call them, were demarcated by a very high fence?

Not at all. Let me explain to you.

Over time I understood that to keep your promises, you first have to promise it.

Exactly. So...?

Then I realized that...

…I was the promise that never promised anything.