From the time we are infants, we learn to imitate. As we grow older and come into contact with more people, we learn to choose whom we imitate.
Almost everything we do is imitation- speech, movement, thought, etc. The thing that makes the difference in people is who and what we choose to imitate. That choice can be based on many different things. We imitate for acceptance, we imitate what appeals to us (based on our own personality), and we imitate what we learn is the right or wrong thing to do. The combination of our choices makes up who we are and how people perceive us.
I just think it's interesting how many people imitate for acceptance and I wish there were more who would imitate those things that are beautiful and kind and wise.
As we imitate, we become the things that we imitate. If we imitate knowledge, we become knowledgeable. If we imitate wisdom, we become wise. On the other hand, if we imitate popular thought, we begin to think the way everyone else does on our own.
Sad, really, how many never learn to ask, "Why? Why do I imitate? Why do these others do the things that they do?"
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Self Government
Occasionally, (very occasionally) I find myself wishing there were someone to tell me "No" so that I don't have to tell myself "No."
It's so hard to do what's best for yourself in the long run when it comes to wanting something NOW. This is especially true for me when it comes to food and money. I know that if I don't buy that purse or if I eat a pb&j instead of eating out, then those few dollars I save each time will add up in the long run and make me, if not rich, at least comfortable in my old age. If I could pay off my debt instead of buying more things, then I could use the money I am paying in interest to buy a lot more shoes and fast food later. But I continue to spend the money now... and each time I do, I lose the interest I could be gaining on that money in the future (which ends up being a lot of money).
It's the same with food. If I would eat things that are healthier for me and forgo the donuts, then I would live longer and be thinner and feel better. But I still eat the donuts.
Why is it that we must have things NOW? It was much easier when we had parents to see the big picture for us and to make those decisions. At the same time, there are so many parents who can't do the same for themselves.
It is a sure sign of maturity when a person can let go of what they want now for something better in the future.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Yep, I'm a list maker!
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