Manipulation takes many forms, but why would we be trying so hard to manipulate our reality to be mediocre, to not grow, to be stuck? There is a great force moving through the world to be yourself...express yourself...live how you wish. Personal expression is terrfic. What is challenging, though, is that people can't be the fullest expression of themselves if they don't know who they are. If you're seeking a goal but you don't know where you're going, it's easy to settle into mediocrity. And, mediocrity is not about not being OK where you are. I absolutely know it's true that when you can't accept being stuck, you must accept being stuck before you can grow or move ahead. Yet, settling in when you won't try to change is accepting a powerlessness that will keep you stuck. When things are hard and you overcome them you become stronger, you're not mediocre or as vulnerable. When you submit to the dark energy within you and stay in that mediocrity, you become ill. Don't get OK being mediocre when your spirit demands you grow to higher heights. You don't have to run marathons or become the next Einstein. You just want to keep doors open for your increased sense of being alive and to allow you to become more of the you you REALLY want to be. Mediocrity is another form of fear.