Originality
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Whose life?
“Whose life are you living, yours or the one somebody prefers for you?” ~Vanita Oelschlager, Write with Me By the time we reach middle age, we’ve established our own patterns, preferences, routines, and habits. We’ve made some difficult choices; traveled a few paths; tried many different things. We like to believe we’ve designed our own way of living — even our own style. In reality, each of us is a unique combination of influences — parents, siblings, partners, relatives, teachers, peers, and popular culture, just for starters. Who are your strongest influences? Which ones suggested, or even dictated, the life you’re living now? Are there any changes you’d make if…
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Willing to stand out
“You’ve got to be willing sometimes to stand alone. You’ve got to be willing to piss some people off. You’ve got to be willing to look different. Sound different. Be different. And those are risks that many of us are not willing to take.” ~Iyanla Vanzant Human beings are hard-wired to belong. We need to feel accepted by a group or a family. We need a tribe. Paradoxically, each of us also has a different set of experiences and personal opinions. As we mature, especially, we value authenticity — and individuality — in ourselves and others. So, what really happens when you say or do something that goes against the…
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What’s your trademark?
“We are all weird in some way….Most of the time it’s what makes us so incredible. So where’s your will to be weird? Where’s your resolution to be real? Celebrate your individuality and don’t be embarrassed by it. If you’re lucky enough to have something that makes you different from everybody else, don’t be ashamed and don’t hide it. Own it!” ~Marc Chernoff, Marc & Angel Hack Life Most people cringe at the thought of appearing “weird,” so I struggled to express my thoughts on today’s quote. But then I remembered the idea of having a “trademark” — which was a recent topic in a daybook we’re reading in my…
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Reflecting on art
“When we look at art, we are looking for ourselves.” ~Leslie Riley I wasn’t entirely on board with today’s quote until I remembered a woman I knew who didn’t like to read novels or see films unless the plots revolved around people like her. She could only relate to characters in settings and situations similar to her own. I’ve always enjoyed paintings, films, and books that surprise and entertain me. And while I often find aspects of myself in some characters, I don’t necessarily hope to see myself reflected in what I’m viewing or reading. How about you? Do you want art and literature to mirror your own life and…
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Deep thoughts
“To find yourself, think for yourself.” ~Socrates The simplest truths are rarely as simple as they seem. Today’s quote from the philosopher Socrates is a case in point. “Thinking for yourself” is tricky when you’re under the influence of family and friends, popular culture, and social media. There’s always a cacophony of voices sharing views on everything from business to fashion; from politics to religion. So, every once in a while, it’s worth questioning: Am I following my own heart? Are my choices really my own? Or am I simply re-spinning a “brand” I’ve borrowed from someone else? ~CL
