To be nobody but yourself–in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else– means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.
– EE Cummings, poet
I thought that while Marcel was watching soccer, that I’d turn MY computer on for the first time in days to check mail and watch last seasons Survivor that I have sitting here waiting for a rainy day. It isn’t exactly a rainy day, but he’s watching the game, so I figured now is a good of time as any.
I came across the above quotation while reading through my emails, and it really resonated with me on many different levels. It’s something I’ve been seeing alot lately- people trying to put me in the box that they want me to be in, but those who know me well know that I don’t conform well to being put in any sort of box.
I recently found myself in a position where someone else, who was thinking a particular way, about a particular subject, kept projecting these feelings and telling me that THIS was how it was. In reality that was how SHE saw it, but clearly I knew that it was NOT the case in my eyes.. It didn’t make it untrue, but it was not my reality. Eventually, this person persisted with this particular projection until I started questioning myself, and struggling.
This wasn’t from someone who was trying to manipulate or hurt me, but yet someone who saw something completely different than I did, and I allowed their opinion to cause doubt and make me question myself.
Eventually, I had to take a long hard look in the mirror, and with a little encouragement realized that we are all different and don’t see things through the same glasses. I knew that above all, I had to be true to myself, and the rest would fall into place.
I believe we all need these little reminders from time to time. I know I do. After all, we’re only human.
My Gratitude List for June 6, 2009.
Today I’m Grateful For:
- Marcel surprising me with a day out.
- 4 1/2 pounds of the sweetest strawberries I’ve ever eaten for 4.00.
- Finding the perfect pair of white sandals, for a great price.
- A book filled with discount coupons for museums, which will be perfect for Samantha’s visit next month.
- Finding my favorite Green Tea bags on sale, and stocking up!