Once you’re on to yourself, there’s an implicit responsibility to change for the better
The dream of self-improvement is integral to the American spirit
It turns out that not all my behavior has been stellar. Sure, I’m good-hearted, funny, empathetic, and genuine. Then there’s that little matter of when I’m selfish, hostile, petty, and melancholy. Knowing your real self can be quite a letdown. And once you’re on to yourself, there’s an implicit responsibility to change for the better; what a drag that is. I should stop being selfish? What’s in it for me?
It was unpleasant at times. But I frankly couldn’t have lost the weight without all that soul searching or whatever you want to call it: navel-gazing, self-actualization, a fantastic voyage up your own butt – yes, to the heart of darkness! The dream of self-improvement is integral to the American spirit, which explains all those boozy, bleary New Year’s resolutions like “Be a better person.”
May 17th, 2009 at 6:46 am
I have been “on to myself” to “be a better person” now for a number of years. What I find amazing is that when you begin down the road to change yourself on the inside then things start changing for the better on the outside also e.g. job, business, fitness, health, family, happiness.. you name it.
Danny
May 17th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Every few years I seem to hit a wave of “on to myself.” Turning 50 is coming with a big one. I worry that I won’t have time for the dreams of my youth to come true. A side effect of that pressure is feeling braver – like a kid who knows how to take chances, but with an adult’s practical resilience and drive towards productivity. I know I won’t do it all, but what I do, I will savor, and however long I live, I will grow.