Sunday, January 6, 2013

To Be Someone Else Or Not

Sometimes teachers give students a prompt for their daily journal entries. I remember one that a teacher gave years ago that crosses my mind every so often. It read:

"If you could wake up as someone else tomorrow morning, who would it be and why."

That question would have brought different responses from me through the years. And what better day to reflect on this than on my 50-something birthday???? And no. I'm not going to fill in the 'something' part with a number. ;)

When I was young, I probably would have said I would want to wake up as my older cousin. I always thought she was so perfect- blonde hair, long and straight; a pianist extraordinaire from a young age; always happy; loved by all.

As I grew older, I might have said one of my friend's teenaged sister. When we were in junior high (called middle school now), we held those high school girls in high esteem. They did the coolest things! They had slumber parties and played songs like "Will You Marry Me, Bill" and wore baby doll pjs and danced and talked about boys and rolled their hair in those big orange juice cans.

During my teen years, I probably thought being someone from history would be great- from the beginning of the American colonies, or during the Civil War era because I was a total history buff and even started college as a history major. (Until I tool Dr. Webb's class---wowza, he was tough and I ran from that department speedy quick. Trust me, NO ONE wants to think that hard about anything. Ever.).

There were times in my life that I would have loved to have awoken as anybody else but myself and times I would have loved to have awoken as myself only older.

Now, I might not be packaged in the exact form I'd like to be packaged in, but I do like the inside. Not only do I like who I am, I'm actually glad that I am who I am.
  • I'm thrilled that I don't care who agrees or disagrees with me. 
  • I'm delighted that I don't care why anyone agrees or disagrees with me.
  • I'm happy that I don't need/want anyone's approval/affirmation.
  • I'm proud of the fact that I act on my own without allowing outside influences. 
It took me a long time to get to this place. But I'm here. And I'm loving it!

What's your favorite thing about the age you are now? 

15 comments:

  1. It is only human to want to be someone other than who you really are. I guess I like being myself but I would like to alter a few circumstances.

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  2. My favorite thing about the age I am now is that most people guess me a few years younger lol.

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  3. Happy Birthday, Pam! How nice to have a birthday at (almost) the same time as the new year.

    My favorite thing about the age I am now is pretty much the same as yours. But since I've at that point for a few years maybe I need to look at right now. So, now: I just enjoy being me, setting my own goals for my own reasons. There's a freedom in aging.

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  4. Happy Birthday, Pam! I think it must be nice to have your birthday when the year is fresh and new.

    The best part of being my age is that I can set my own goals for my own reasons. There is a freedom in aging.

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  5. oops, Blogger is being awkward. Now you have two comments. Aging means you can't remember what you exactly said five minutes ago!

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  6. Way to go, it is wonderful when a person reaches this point. I think some people do it early in life but it came to me very late. I love who I am. I love that I try to do what makes me happy and if someone doesn't like what I am wearing well that's their problem.
    I remember asking one of my bridesmaids on my wedding day if my make-up looks okay, I was so insecure with myself. Most days I don't even wear make-up anymore!

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  7. Today is your birthday? How did I not know this. Happy, Happy Birthday. Do you have plans? I am glad you are you too. I think it is always very hard to get to the spot where you are finally happy with who you are, It is a good place to be. I think at this age why it is good to be this age is we are who we are and as I see people around me who have made such bad choices and live with such heartbreaking consequences I am so happy I am me. So yep I bet you are too.
    Have a wonderful day today.

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  8. Happy Birthday 50 something Pam!! I have far more confidence now than I have ever had in my life. I used to be a real little wimp when I was younger. Very shy!! (believe it or not!!). I love how you are happy with who you are now. I guess I feel the same.It's really good to be comfortable in our own skin. Enjoy the rest of your special day.

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  9. Happy Birthday! I too wanted to be someone else, or at least live someone else's life at so many points in my journey. But with age comes at least some common sense, and today I am happy to be me, and am comfortable in my own skin with my choices.

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  10. Happy Birthday Pam!!! I love your 'love of life.' Youre an inspiration!!!

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  11. My favorite thing about the age I am now- hmmm? Still working on it.

    With regards to your affirmation statements at the end- You rock!

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  12. Love your attitude towards life girlie, and you're right, I could really care less what people think anymore. What I like about my age is that I feel free to say pretty much whatever I think about something or somebody, because I don't care what other people may say or think about me. Hey, I think I said that already. Oh well, happy birthday, you youngen' you..:)

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  13. Betty- Yeah, Blogger can do that from time to time. Well, it’s more like not caring what others think about what I think more than not caring about them. Most of the time anyway. LOL Thank you Betty! Hugs!

    Gail- I suppose you’re right. I’m just glad I’m happy with myself. Finally.

    OE- I used to like that too. Not so sure they’re still doing that though. LOL

    Stephanie- Thank you! When I was growing up, it was something nice to look forward to after Christmas. My dad and I like that it falls on the day of Epiphany. There most definitely is freedom in aging! I totally agree with you! Yeah, Blogger can be a pile of poop sometimes. LOL

    Debby- Amen to that! I never wear make-up. I used to in college and as a young mother but haven’t in about 20 years. Hate that stuff.

    Kim- Yes! I’m a January baby. No plans. DoodleBug and Birdie and Evan came over and we hung out and went to Barnes and Noble and Michael’s. It is hard to get there, but it’s so sweet when we finally do. I am such a homebody that I rarely make plans on my birthday. But, if YOU came over, I’d go do something!

    Diane- Thank you! Yes! Confidence is another good one!

    Living- Thank you! I am the same way. And so glad to finally be in this position.

    Deb- Thank you! You’re too sweet!

    Patrice- I still appreciate the occasional affirmation from a dear friend! Thank you!

    Alessandra- Thank you! How are things going with you? Let me know if there’s anything I can do.

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  14. Happy Birthday :) My favourite thing about the age I am is having heaps of confidence. I was really shy as a child/teenager which affected my confidence but now...I don't care, love me or hate me...it's their call :)

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  15. I love the positivity and confidence you always convey through your posts!
    Hope you had a wonderful birthday :)

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! It makes me feel connected to everyone even though we may live far apart! Have a wonderful day!

 
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