You dont know anyone at the party, so you dont want to go. You dont like cottage cheese, so you havent eaten it in years. This is your choice, of course, but dont kid yourself: its also the flinch. Your personality is not set in stone. You may think a morning coffee is the most enjoyable thing in the world, but its really just a habit. Thirty days without it, and you would be fine. You think you have a soul mate, but in fact you could have had any number of spouses. You would have evolved differently, but been just as happy.You can change what you want about yourself at any time. You see yourself as someone who cant write or play an instrument, who gives in to temptation or makes bad decisions, but thats really not you. Its not ingrained. Its not your personality. Your personality is something else, something deeper than just preferences, and these details on the surface, you can change anytime you like.If it is useful to do so, you must abandon your identity and start again. Sometimes, its the only way.Set fire to your old self. Its not needed here. Its too busy shopping, gossiping about others, and watching days go by and asking why you havent gotten as far as youd like. This old self will die and be forgotten by all but family, and replaced by someone who makes a difference.Your new self is not like that. Your new self is the Great Chicago Fireoverwhelming, overpowering, and destroying everything that isnt necessary.
About This Quote
About Julien Smith, The Flinch
Julien Smith, The Flinch.
Themes
- Life — Reflections on the meaning, challenges, and beauty of life