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Hi, how ya doing? I’m Justin. Who are you?
No I don’t want to know your name. I want to know who you really are.
Not sure? Still trying to figure it out? I’m 31 now and I still have no clue who I am. Guess what? I don’t give a damn. I’m having a hell of a time trying to figure it out.
I like people, I love conversing, and I love hearing different opinions, theories, and thoughts on life. But it cracks me up when I get to talking with someone and they start rambling about how they are not sure what they want to do with their life, what career they should get into, what they should major in school. Recently I’ve got a lot of “Justin, you should start thinking about getting married, settling down, having kids, concentrating on a career.” And then the kicker… you’re not getting any younger you know. Believe you me, I’d tell them to go piss off but most of the time it’s my mother or a close friend so instead I tell them to kick a bucket. I even started carrying around one if this comes up.
I’m not being serious about the bucket but now I’m sort of thinking it’s good idea.
Any who, this post isn’t just going to be some complaining rant. Lets get some substance. You all deserve that much.
It takes courage to grow up and be who you really are -e.e cummings
I recently watched a Ted talk about what makes you, you? from Julian Baggini. The talk brings up the question of whether we have a calling or a predetermined self. It refers to the use of personality test (Myers-Briggs) and horoscopes that are commonly used when we are trying to figure out who we truly are, what jobs we would be good at, what type of people we would get a long with, or what activities we will excel in. I’m know many of us have checked our horoscope or taken a personality test, once or twice… or 20 times. I can even say I have personally spoken with life coaches, read self-help books, and many more in order to discover who I “REALLY” am.
I guess my argument here is that we are not a fixed person with a predetermined life, rules, abilities, interests, or capabilities. Unless of course you want those things or allow yourself to have a fixed identity. Why not let our beliefs, memories, experiences, desires, dreams, and promises we make to ourselves on a day-to-day basis shape who we are? Why not embrace the uncertainty of self discovery and simply experience as much as we can in order to continually shape our true selves.
We all have limits.
I do not want to give the impression that we can do and be anything we want. I can not be an NBA basketball player. I’m short, white, and have no hops. But I can go out and play basketball, I can decide to learn another language, I can pick up the guitar and learn to play a few ballads even if I am not the next Eric Clapton. I might not be able to fly but I sure can get close by bungee jumping or going sky-diving.
In essence, I guess we are all artists. Sculpting our true being in hopes of that perfect piece. Most artists are not truly appreciated until they are gone. Why not start making your mark today.
- Don’t worry about others perceptions
- Be honest and open with yourself and with others
- Believe in yourself
- Take credit when credits due and responsibility for your actions
- Take action today
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- Collect experiences, not material things
To your quest and mine
Justin
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