I am who I am.
I aspire to be neither more nor less.
I don’t wish to be the most beautiful girl on Earth, nor the skinniest, nor the blondest, nor the most brunette. I don’t want to have the biggest breasts, the smallest behind, the longest legs. I don’t wish I looked like a swimsuit model. I don’t want to sing like Celine or dance like Madonna. I don’t wish I was smarter, I don’t wish I was funnier, I don’t wish I was less sensitive. I’m not as concerned with looking good on the outside as I am with feeling great on the inside. I rather have strength of heart than be physically strong.
I am who I am. And that should be good enough for those who love me.
I’m not the best in the world at anything, and that’s ok. I don’t have to be.
I like my artistic sense. I like what I have to say. I like that I’m passionate. I like the woman I’ve become. I like how caring, dedicated and loyal I am to the person I love.
And whoever loves me, should love me just the way I am.
Just the way I am.
You seem like such an amazing, strong woman. I agree, anyone who loves you should love you just the way you are.
You haven’t been writing in your blog as much, is that in an attempt to keep us hungry? Hope all is well.
I agree.
If he doesn’t, then send him packing.
I totally recognize the initiative to not idolize anyone and I can appreciate your internal strength….but how do you address a young person when they proclaim “I want to be just like you when I grow up!”
I really enjoy reading your work…..
Myster_Ious, Melinda, Ali: Thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to read what I have to say.
Lee: Hmmm, lets see… I didn’t really intend to portray the idea of ‘not idolizing’ anyone, what I want to say is ‘I am happy with who I am’… We ALL should be. I can’t really change the essence of who I am so I chose to love myself as I am, rather than be constantly frustrated and demoralized.
But yes idolizing someone, especially for the wrong reasons, is not good. We should not idolize, but admire.
Regarding a young person saying they want to grow up to be just like you (or me, or whoever)…Well, I think it’s fair to tell them that they should emulate traits in you that they like, but explain to them that they are individuals and they need to forge their own path in life. And whatever it is they like about the adult they admire, always keep it close and try their best to live up to it, but never letting go of their individuality….
Grrr. I’m not really conveying what I want to say. I hope somehow, you get the gyst…
HOpe all is well!
)
Hehe….I had trouble conveying what was in my mind also. Attempt 2 would go…’happy in your own skin’ and your own mind – I can absolutely identify with this…I’d say I’m on the path instead of enjoying the serenity of arriving. My point about idolization is a bit different though.
I would totally agree with your response to a young person hoping to be like you – I hope I remember your eloquence should anyone ever tell me that.
To me though – life is a constant struggle of being totally comfortable with yourself and desiring more….not more money or a more publicly sensual appearance etc….but an attempt to do more with the precious moments we all have left. I don’t idolize anyone – but I do admire people who ‘do’ and in many instances I try to be like them….ie….brilliant scientist, profound philosopher, attentive karate student, dedicated worker…I think I’m still not being clear and it may be an answer unto itself but for instance….How does one achieve total contentment while also continuing to develop the skills they possess?
Always a pleasure Lali.
Lee: You touched on the most important issue “Happy in your own skin”…It’s the only one you’ve got!
I want to clarify my views on your third paragraph:
I do believe that wanting to better yourself is GOOD; wanting to be a better person, better friend, better at your job, be healthier, etc is AWESOME. We are animals of constant change…I don’t think being happy with where you are and wanting to better yourself are mutually exclusive. One can admire a scientist and want to be like her/him, but one must also A. Be realistic (i.e. there’s only one Einstein) and B. Pave our path.
In any case, admiring or emullating a Scientist, Philosopher, Writer, Artist, etc is MUCH HEALTHIER and SAFER than idolizing Paris Hilton.
Again, I can’t seem to convey everything I want to say.
I do know that the only constant in life is change, and we all develop and evolve daily, being content with who I am today doesn’t mean I should stay ’stuck’ here, it just means today I am happy and tomorrow I will strive for better so I can be happier/more at peace, etc….
I hope I’m making sense. I’m not sure any more.
Always so nice when you stop by Lee.
Yes Yes….well put Lali. As you might have guessed – the greatest hindrance to my own happiness has always been myself and the demands I place on myself. I’m glad to see you on the path – even if it seems I’m incapable of following.