We are what we think, do, feel, say, and believe in

We all, consciously or subconsciously, define and fine tune who we are by the choices we make. Everyday; constantly. Yes, even the superficial, seemingly insignificant choices. You can deny it if you like, but I won't believe you...

Every choice we make; what we do for a living; what we do for fun; what we read, watch, wear, eat; where and how we live; what kind of car we drive; whether we marry or remain single, whether we believe in God, Buddha, or Fairies; has meaning. All of these choices, along with many others, define who we are; because when you think about it; we are much more than just flesh and bone; we ARE what we think, do, feel, say, and believe in.

My unsolicited theory is that each of us is really three people dwelling in same body; the person we want to be; the person we want other people to think we are; and the person that we actually are. It would be great if these three were always on the same page, however, sometimes they are wildly out of synch.

The person we want others to think we are, and the person we want to be, are usually pretty tight; but the person that we actually are is often standing on the outside with his/her nose pressed against the glass wondering "why can't I be more like you guys?" Why, indeed?

I'll give you an example: Suppose you desperately want others to perceive you as intellectual, cultured, and highbrow. You envision yourself, curled up by the fire, with a leather bound copy of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, listening to Mozart, wearing a lace blouse, sipping a cup of fine tea, and nibbling on delicate finger sandwiches.

You've staged the scenario; but as you're sitting there trying to get into the dialogue, which you find a bit stuffy, you see the newest issue of Vogue lying on the coffee table. You start to fidget. The Mozart symphony is like ambien, and you begin to crave a big, juicy, pastrami sandwich on marble rye. "Who the hell eats cucumber sandwiches, anyway?" you think, as you go into the kitchen to make the pastrami sandwich; then you ditch the blouse for a tee-shirt, put on Disco's Greatest Hits, toss Jane Austen on the floor, and reach for the Vogue.

Do you get my point? We are much happier if we just are who we are. That doesn't mean we shouldn't try new things, or attempt to expand our horizons. Wandering out of the comfort zone on a regular basis adds spice to life. Exposing ourselves to all the world has to offer can be richly rewarding. After all, we might discover that we adore Jane Austen, Mozart, or itchy lace. However, preferring fashion magazines, Disco Inferno, or tee shirts is nothing to be ashamed of either. Being true to who we are, and being honest with others about who we are, is definitely the best way to live.

This above all; to thine own self be true.
- William Shakespeare

C