Hello dear friends! Today I want to tell you about a little epiphany I had while teaching a high school summer course this week. During part of the course, my ESL students practiced “listening” to English passages and answering questions about them. The students are nearly fluent in English, so the material was more interesting than the basic conversations about weather or buying apples that I’m used to hearing in these types of classes. Interspersed with the speeches about astronomy and global warming was a five-minute excerpt that really made my ears stick up. It talked about Ralph Waldo Emerson’s main teachings.
The part about Emerson’s teachings that grabbed me most was a section about “nonconformity.” The speaker mentioned how this meant being true to yourself and not following the “rules” of the world if they don’t align with your true sense of self. Ok. I kinda knew that but okaaaaay I’ll keep listening.
But then he said something else that made my ears all twitchy again.
“Nonconformity also means not conforming to yourself.
Your past.”
Oh say what? He went on to explain that often we think of this term (nonconformity) as a way to say that you should rebel against society and be yourself. But what if someone doesn’t like who they are? I’m talking about people who feel tied down by their past. You know the ones right? The people whose mantras might be…
I was depressed before, so this is just who I am.
I’ve never had a relationship work out, so this is just who I am.
I’ve always been overweight, so this is just who I am.
I’ve never had a job that made me happy, so this is just who I am.
My last business failed, so this is just who I am.
I’m sure there’s a phrase each of us is clinging on to. Well, to Emerson, no, no it’s really NOT who you are. One of my best friends always says that he is a new person every single day. I think that and Emerson’s outlooks are such beautiful vantage points. Often we are either focusing too much on the past, assuming we’re the same girl we were five years ago, or too much on the distant future, using our past to not-always-accurately predict who we are in the present. But when we do this, we’re not taking into account that we are MORE than what we were or what we will be. We are exactly what we WANT to be, if only we just let go of the fear we might have of becoming that person. Emerson spits out some more knowledge:
“Trust thyself.”
It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? Yet everyday, we make decisions about ourselves based on a girl (or guy, hey fellas!) who no longer exists. Of course, using the past can be helpful and necessary at times, but not when it’s holding you back from being the person you want to be and perhaps, deep down, the person you already are. So maybe a more accurate title for this post today is, “stop being who you were.” Because really, it doesn’t have to be who you are.
Now, can we all agree that Ralph Waldo Emerson and Bob Saget are probably related? Or possibly the same person?
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Now let me introduce you to today’s beautiful ladies!
Belinda is a powerhouse of positivity, cute nicknames, and overwhelming support. She writes about her adventures as an expat in Wales as well as maintaining a positive mindset. She also shares some honest and beautiful tidbits about her life. Though, one thing that I really love about Belinda’s blog is when she releases vlogs (video blogs)! She definitely comes across as the type of person who would smother you in bear hugs and feel-good compliments, right? Belinda is also kind of obsessed with my dog, Monja, so I think she gets a gold star for that. ;) Get to know her better here! And if you want to follow an American expat with lots of unique stories and a wonderful outlook on life, Belinda is your gal! Go give her a virtual hug!
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Start Here: One Year Expat Anniversary | Sometimes I Am a Crappy Wife | Beach Day in Wales!
Allie is the sweet and smart girl behind Call Me Sassafras, where she shares everything from her favorite books and music to her favorite scientists. Wait, what? Favorite scientists? Yep, you heard right! But Allie can pull it off, trust me. She also participates in Weekly Wishes every week and even made a freakin’ sweet printable to help you stay on par with your goals. See, isn’t she an overachiever? Want to get to know this southern transplant a little better? I suggest you start here, here, or here. Now go make a friend! I’m sure she’d love to meet you. :)
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Start Here: Six Things I’m Not Ashamed Of | Marie Curie, Karate Chopping Stereotypes | July Music Recommendations
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