24 February 2007

rain-soaked matisse.

I believe that everybody has a couple adjectives by which they can be defined. These words weave together to paint a loose picture of the person -- something like a poorly contrived watercolour painting. Though details are indefinite, shapes and figures can still be perceived. Picture a Matisse painting that has been sitting in the rain for a few hours ... or stare at a bright light for 10 seconds then close your eyes -- paying close attention to the floating neon shapes. Yes, somehow in my imagination these blurry images can represent the foundation of a personality. Don't ask me how. Just go with it.

I don't know if it is my time here in London, or the natural growth of self -- but I am beginning to wonder if the adjectives that I had chosen as mine are still valid. Is my definition of self supposed to be the true person I am, or an idealistic person I aspire to be? One one hand I want to pursue an idealistic sense of self. But on the other hand, I wonder if I am neglecting parts of my personality that I should be embracing. Is "me" good enough? Or should I keep working at being "better than me"?

I realize that this is not the most interesting post. In fact, no matter how I phrase my sentences, it really is quite confusing. But here is the carry-home message: I am thinking... a lot... about who I am and what I want to be. I am at an extraordinary point in my life where I have an incredible amount of control over my future. If I wanted to, I could change my major and alter where I will be in 5 years completely. It is an uncomfortable amount of power that I'm not quite sure what to do with.

In short, every decision that I make today will play into my life 50 years from now.

No pressure.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Its scary to see the one you nurteured to adulthood actually becoming an adult. Its a comfort as I can now (almost)imgaine you making my nursing home arrangements--LOL

Love ya,
DAD

Olivia Hubert-Allen said...

Well -- Zach said that he's not going to take care of you, so I guess it's up to me. We'll find you a nice little farm somewhere, where a nice family will take care of you... ;)

Anonymous said...

Olivia, I had those momments of thinking too much about me as well in that period of my life.
Just go with it. It all works out in the end. All of your posts are interesting and I thank you for the priviledge of getting to read them. Haven't heard about your
internship? Has it been rewarding?
Just make sure to have some fun!
Melody

Anonymous said...

A Raisin Farm no doubt....

Dad