Is the you that is you known by few and the you that is you only seen by you any less truer than the you of all you’s?

I felt Dr Seuss inspired and thought the opening to this post could use a little creative magic energy from the essence of a person who chose to be who he was, making no apologies along the way for his very unique style, view and approach to things.

Did you know that the first of the Dr Suess books were rejected over 27 times for publishing and in some instances he was told the idea’s were not suitable for children? It makes me smile on two fronts. Firstly, the publishing house assessors, which made the comment were placing a judgement call on behalf of all children across the globe … hmm, yep, ok. Secondly, in a sense they were almost right if they only made the statement that the books are ‘not’ only suitable for children, they are fabulous for adults too.

As a writer I tend to observe the world and for the most part more often than not I see things from a very different perspective. It may be the way my mind works or simply the fact that I am practiced at watching because I look to my surrounds for creative inspiration. What I have noticed along the way is that people default to presenting themselves differently depending on the environment they are placing themselves in. Its a curiosity that has me wondering why people feel compelled to alter who they are.

‘How many social masks do you wear?’

I remember as a blossoming teen my friends took me aside feeling the compulsion to ‘coach‘ me on the proper social etiquette associated to the interaction with boys. My eyes rolled as I listened to them banter on about a list of deal breaker behaviors. They even pulled out a teddy bear that they all took turns in kissing. Yes, I was in my own personal hell and no I didn’t kiss the bear.

When I did eventually consent to going on a first date with a person who shall remain nameless, we went out to a nice place to dine. He chose to take me to an overly priced, up market French cuisine restaurant where we wouldn’t be leaving the table without a hefty $300+ price tag for two. Typical of me, I found my own way there and attended in my prized cherry Doc Martins, Jeans and a clean T-Shirt with a farmer Ted shirt overlay. He was well presented and I guess initially a little disappointed that I had not made an effort to dress up.

The atmosphere was lovely but I felt an air of pretense as I observed others dining that night. Much to my amusement I received glances from many women who had made the effort to get dolled up. When the first of the meals came through I picked up my fork to begin to eat and was quickly told by my date that it was the wrong implement to use. He raised his spoon and then demonstrated how to eat the entree. I watched, nodded my head and proceeded to eat my meal with the fork. Part way through the entrée he asked me why I insisted on using the wrong implement. I said I would be happy to answer when he could tell me why it was the wrong implement. The results of the conversation had me in stitches of laughter and eventually he too could see the funny side of etiquette rigidity.

The truth is that he was getting his jocks bunched in a knot about some rule that ‘someone’ created on how to eat. I see no sense in this. I could appreciate a guideline or suggestion but a rule, pfft. What a load of hogwash. Eat however you feel comfortable and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. The reason this example sprung to mind is that it depicts the social pressure people attempt to impose on one another for classification and conformity. Does it really matter how I dress to go out to dine or what implement I chose to eat with?

“A slave is one who waits for someone to come and free him.” 
― Ezra Pound

How many times have you heard a person say, ‘I like it when my partner goes away because it gives me a chance to be me, to do the things that ‘I’ want to do.’ Once again it is something which holds my curiosity. It appears that people have embraced a natural placement of rules for roles in various circumstances. Eg: father, mother, husband, wife, friend, a worker and so on. I personally fail to see why the person who they truly are is not present as a foundation of consistency and strength across all their functional roles and responsibilities. Isn’t life less complex and more rewarding when you choose to be you?

‘Are you aware of your delta of persona variance and what drives you?’

There is an element of simplicity in my approach to interacting with the world that holds true to a well known statement made by the grand man himself:

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” 
― Dr. Seuss

I’m not perfect. I make mistakes. I evolve as a person as I understand more about myself and how I feel. What I can say for the most part is that I am truer than true in presentation of me to you and happy to be so, all the way through.

Blessings – Truth Devour