We all have preconceived notions of who we are, what we do, and what we like. But sometimes it pays to think about them a minute. It all started for me when I was reading The Happiness Project - she has a resolution to Be Gretchen. Now, you might be thinking Be Me? how can I not be me?
Well it all starts when I go on auto-pilot. I default to my preconceived notions of myself. I am a shirt and jeans kind of girl - um wait, except in summer when I wear dresses 6 out of 7 days. I don't wear pink - um, well, 2 of those dresses are pink and so is my only cashmere sweater... I like to cook - um, then why don't I cook more, why do I eat out whenever I can? oh wait, I like to eat :) I like to read - yes, yes, I do - I'm almost back on pace with 3 - 5 books a week. I like to go to the movies - um, then why have I only seen 4 movies in the theater in the last 3 years? I like to travel - yes, except not for work - or at least not every single week for work.
For a long time, I lost who I was. I let someone else define it. I need to make an effort to think about what really makes me happy, what I enjoy. But when I am tired and overwhelmed, I fall back on those preconceived ideas based on who I was. I guess I need to work on Be Me a little more.
4 comments:
This reminds me of a friend making an effort to change those preconceived notions of herself. For example, she's "not musical," so she dove into piano lessons. Her goal is to take the negative ways in which she defines herself and turn them into at least neutrals. She's the one who inspired me to sign up for the half marathon.
That only addresses the negative preconceived notions. What about the positive things you think about yourself? I find that I easily lose sight of the things that make me happy, especially when I get busy. Until this weekend, it had been months since I went out on a photo venture. I haven't hiked in ages, and I just recently started going to live music shows again. Those things are Me. Why do we let ourselves fall away from the things that make us happiest?
Nice to see you posting.
I keep marking this as unread and coming back to it. I'm still trying to figure out who I am. We're all works in progress, right?
Kristin - I figure I'm constantly changing - things that mattered pre-kids, pre-husband, things that mattered when I was in a different job, had friends who lived closer, all those things mean I am changing all the time. I just hope to keep thinking about what it is to Be Me - and work within that - whoever I am today.
This is awesome, and a great "reset."
I like what C said, too, and both of you have me thinking, "Who is Mel?"
xoxo and I can't wait to see you soon!! Can we stay up late on Saturday night with lots of wine and make up crazy drunk answers to these questions? :)
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