What Makes You, You?
I’ve always struggled to identify which parts of myself are authentically me. There’s so much emphasis in this world on being yourself, yet there’s something equally as beautiful about carrying aspects of someone or something else. We’re a mosaic of the world around us, carrying fragments of our elementary school classmates and our parents’ parents. I believe that originality is possible, yet a very special type of originality is the twist we choose to take with the moments, people and places that shape us.
The People That Shape Us.
Sometimes I’ll find myself in an existential crisis when I realize how much of the world has already been created. What can someone like me contribute to this already oversaturated world of creativity? The best books have already been written. The most historically significant paintings have already been created, telling ancient stories through the ceilings of the Sistine Chapel. Sometimes I feel like I’m this tiny speck of dust plopped onto a plane of unfathomable beauty, destined to leave no trace of myself or my accomplishments anywhere. I feel like the only accomplishment I could ever have is piggybacking off of someone else’s talent, eager to add my own brush stroke on top of a million others.
Changing the Narrative.
There will be times when we all find ourselves in this place of utter despair, lacking inspiration and terrified. We fear our lives will end without accomplishments, legacy, or even a ripple in the lake.
Yet, we must realize this is simply human nature. The best books were written after the best books of their time. The best artists were touched by the world around them, channelling that energy into the masterpieces we marvel over. The human race is a giant mosaic. This is certainly not to say that we progress increasingly, the people behind us acting as stepping stones. The way I see it, all of human history exists in this giant circle, in a constant state of flux, constantly being re-inspired.
It’s an absolutely beautiful thing how much intelligence, creativity and passion we receive from other human beings, igniting a spark in us and enabling us to rekindle their light.
Smaller Picture.
There’s beauty in being influenced. We’re so beyond unoriginal, but I mean this sincerely and endearingly. Our speech is a creation of the people that have spoken to us. We pick up on our best friends’ odd slang and our mothers’ quirky mannerisms. Our interests are fostered and sparked by what we are exposed to. In a really beautiful way, we keep the people around us alive.
Originality Still Exists.
The subject matter of this post might be controversial. People like the idea of originality, and I absolutely don’t want to take away from this. I, too, believe originality is possible. Although it’s hard to factually prove something as original, as this opens up a whole philosophy can of worms, I do think us humans can certainly contribute new ideas to the world around us. Yet what I really want to emphasize here is the notion that a lacking of originality is a beautiful aspect of human nature.
Who Do You Carry With You?
I was inspired to write this article simply because I started noticing aspects of others in myself.
As for the physical elements of others within myself, my hair is currently in two fishtail braids, inspired by a girl who sat at the table next to mine last night out for dinner. I’m wearing my roommate’s hoodie. I’m sipping on a drink recommended to me by a friend. I’m wearing loafers I bought from a friend because she didn’t wear them enough.
And as for everything else, I know I am a collection of the people I love the most. I’m a collection of strangers, past friends, teachers, coworkers, authors who died hundreds of years ago, and artists who don’t know I exist.
Who Carries Bits and Pieces of You With Them?