Somehow, I recall coming across this particular quote quite some years ago, and to this day I can't seem to forget it. Not only has it encouraged me to give my all in life, but it has inspired me to rise to my personal best, in order to succeed and find happiness. Above all, I believe this quote strongly defines who I am as an individual as well as who I aspire to become.
Growing up, I increasingly felt the pressure to excel and be the best. Whether it be in school, or tennis, my parents were continuously pushing me to higher standards. At the time, I was unaware of the great potentials and self determination I really had. However, sadly all I saw was a life of misery, frustration, complication, and uncertainty. I never quite understood why my parents were so hard on me.
Over the years, I would watch my peers and wonder why they did not have to go through what I did. Everything came so easy for them. For some reason, I had to work extra hard to achieve what for others was effortless. It was just not fair. All I wanted was to be someone else. Someone who did not have to spend over five hours a day practicing a topspin forehand, or spend thirty minutes just trying to figure out one simple math problem. In all, all I really wanted was not to be me.
To make matters worse, I have an identical twin sister and we were constantly compared. Through the eyes of my parents, My twin sister and I were considered one person, one identity. Even to this day, my parents view us as "one unit." Although, we may have similar physical characteristics, we posses differant qualities. Particularly, these individual qualities help characterize who we are. Overall, I consider the relationship I have with my parents to be beneficial. I have now come to the realization that the pressure, and high demands, that my parents placed on me, was only to make me a stronger individual. Most importantly, I never thought I would come to notice the strong will and motivation, I have gained from the difficulties I had encountered. As of today, I consider myself to be a strongly determined, assertive, and diligent individual. Most importantly, I believe with personal responsibility, comes personal excellence, and gratification.
In general, my ultimate goal is to improve my self image, in order to create meaning in my life, and in the lives of others. I strongly believe in disciplining myself to do what I know is acceptable, and important. Although, at times it may be difficult and frustrating, I know that by doing this, I will become a stronger individual, and that I will succeed.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
The Real Me
"A dedicated life is a life worth living." ~ Anne Dillard, writer
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2 comments:
Devin, you inspired me to be the best I can be. Most do not know this but, I was a twin myself. She died before I could grasp the meaning of death but in a weird but sometimes helpful way I know she is with me. I was also compared to me sister. Even though she died my mother talked about how she “probably” would be so much different and when I was younger I assumed my mother meant better. My mother is a single mother and because of that she wanted her children to be the best thing, we had to be perfect, little did she know only God is perfect. I can relate to the hard work and stress you had to endure and I am a living witness that understands that it isn’t anywhere near easy. I hope that you can continue to be a strong individual and I know times can get hard but you will succeed in everything you do.
Devin,
I wrote a very similar dersription on my blog about feeling like my parents held me to high standards. In hindsight, the standards they held weren't unattainable, but as a child and a teenager they certainly felt like it! The positive thing is, look how we turned out as a result of the pressure. Sometimes we're probably a little too hard on ourselves, but we definitely can push ourselves and have the self-discipline where others may give up. And from what I can tell, you're a really excellent tennis player. So the hard work must have paid off! :)
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