One of the keys to personal happiness (and to having fun) is being truly, deeply, flagrantly ourselves. In fact, liberating the best and truest version of ourselves in every moment. The struggle is that we're constantly tempted to adjust who we are—if not sacrifice it altogether—to obtain the approval of others.
This is always a colossal waste of time and energy. Not only is it impossible to please everyone else (or sometimes, to please anyone) but it's a kind of casual self-betrayal that accumulates and accrues over a lifetime.
It's true: The greatest gift we can give ourselves, and the world, is just to relax and be who we are—no negotiation, no regrets. Just be yourself and you'll be fine.
Cindi breaks it down:
I always have to remind myself: You're not just given a good voice. You're not just given the ability to articulate what you feel.
You're also given who you are. And who you are is part of your instrument.
And the people who raise you, they're part of your instrument. And your surroundings are also your gift and your muse.
It took me a long time to realize all of that.
— Cyndi Lauper, 2007, Live . . . at Last
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Twittering vixenish things @WriterVixen
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Comments
I find people who really are "who they are" to be a bit rare at times thanks to ridiculous unwritte cultural and social "rules". Here's to breaking the rules! Rock on, Cindy! You, too, WV!
Great Post!
I've always loved Cindi Lauper. In the 80's, there was no reason to believe that she was anything more than a passing fad -- like The Boy (George), who gave us two weeks of some really wonderful music on his way to becoming a pop cultcha footnote.
But today she's one of the industry's top songwriters and one of the most covered artists ever. And her voice just gets better and better as she gets older. That kind of longevity -- IMHO! -- is the result of truly knowing who you are and being dedicated to expressing it authentically.
Bathroom-mirror worthy! Thanks for commenting. ;)