Monday, October 22, 2012

My Feelings on "Self Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson


“To be great is to be misunderstood.” (Emerson, 392). How true is this statement, yet how confusing can it be? Many people think that you must conform to society to be thought of as great. That is wrong! “No kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till.” (Emerson, 391). When you do what God has given you to do, you will truly burst forth with many reapings of good fortune. It’s when you follow the crowd that your true gifts are not used to their full potential. “A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise, shall give him no peace.” (Emerson, 391).
                It can be very hard sometimes to not want to be part of the crowd or “popular” kids, but we must remember this. “Envy is ignorance.” (Emerson, 391). Growing up I always hung out with the same group of friends, but when we got into Middle School, my life started to change. It wasn’t that they were mean to me. I just didn’t fit in with them like I did in Elementary school. They were going their ways, and I was starting to go mine. I fought this change with all my might. I would even sit in the gym sometimes, and think of things to say that would make them like me more. Now I know that was foolish. I was becoming my own person, and it was stupid of me to try to be someone I wasn’t. My ideas were changing. My body was changing. My dreams were changing. With all these changes, I had to accept the fact that things weren’t going to stay the same. God had a plan for my life that I couldn’t see at the age of 11. I recently realized something. What was I benefiting from fighting this wonderful blessing when I could be embracing it? I should be enjoying it. I fit in with my best group of friends I have now. I have found my friendship home. I feel safe with them. I don’t have to try to please them. When I’m with them, I’m at my happiest! I’m myself. I’m so blessed, and I’m glad I finally get  see it! So I’ll repeat Emerson with this quote. “Is it so bad to be misunderstood?” (Emerson, 392). Even though not everyone is going to like you, what you do, and what you stand for, it doesn’t mean you have to worry about it. Being who you really are will bring you much more happiness than you can ever imagine. We are made with God’s gentle touch and deep thoughtfulness. Everything about us is perfect in his eyes, so be yourself! What’s the worst that could happen?

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