“You sir, are the idiom!” –Inspector Clouseau, Pink Panther
This time of year always gets me thinking about how people perceive me. Perhaps it’s because this is the time of change and renewal. Everyone has that one quality that they would like to embody more of: they say, “I wish I were more [insert qualitative adjective here.”] For me, it’s being funnier. I love making people laugh, but my results usually vary from hilarious/off the wall to just, well, missing–a-beat obscure.
I could spend my whole life trying to emulate the comedians I love, always striving to pick up on the dry British humor of The Office or pull off the physical humor of Steve Martin in Pink Panther. Who doesn’t want to learn from the greats, right? But then I realize I can’t do their kind of humor forever (although when I’m sixty I hope I can improv like Robin Williams does.) I have to find my own brand of hilarity.
The same goes for you lovely collegiettes. It’s fine to admire someone’s style, personality, or confidence, and it’s even cool to try out specific things from that person. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all. Yet there comes a point when you have to veer off from the walked-on paths of your idols and forge your own. Do what feels natural to you. Even if that means rolling on the floor pretending to be a wolf (not that I do too much of that comedy too often) or wearing overalls when everyone else is donning skinny jeans.
Because who would want to live as a copy of someone else? I can think of nothing else so miserable as being uncomfortable in your own skin, uncomfortable enough to take up someone else’s. Collegiettes, embrace your unique selves. If you want to wear polka dots, by golly, wear the darn things, even if you’re in a sea of plaid. If you want to take up uni-cycling in this world of bicycles, at least try it out. You are one of the individuals who compose this lovely mosaic of students, some neon colorful, some multi-dimensional, some monochromatic, and some dark-hued. How boring and dull it would be if we were all the same!
My hero Remi Gaillard, creator of the dangerously funny YouTube hit series, says “C’est en faisant n’importe quoi qu’on devient n’importe qui.” In case you don’t speak French, that saying means, quite literally, “It is in doing what doesn’t matter that you become what doesn’t matter.” Now before you try to dissect the literal meaning of that phrase, let me tell you the metaphoric meaning of this double entendre: when you do things that are crazy and different with enough confidence and happiness with yourself, people will cease to care about the differences between you.
But before you try to attempt some of Remi’s dangerous antics, either consult a physician or just don’t. Believe me, he’s been arrested more times that I can count. Still, his message is an inspiring one: be different, be you. Have fun with who you are. Be inspired with yo bad self!
P.S. You can see an intro into Remi’s humor here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81szj1vpEu8(Yes, I am shamelessly plugging in one of my idols.)
P.S.S. Who inspires you? Leave a comment below.
Photocredits:
Steve Martin-> http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PZOsEmYgZyI/TGB59YKkpJI/AAAAAAAAAcY/T0c4GBwYs0I/s400/steve-martin-pink-panther-400a-010407.jpg
Remi Gaillard->http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qhw4PU-iBy4/TViA1Ii_9JI/AAAAAAAAAAc/MLMt_aFtsd…