Monday, August 11, 2008

Melancholy

I just read The Pioneer Woman's latest post... and I admit I was near tears here at work. A while ago she asked readers to comment on their lives and how different it is to what they imagined 10 or 20 years ago. Some of the stories are heartbreaking, some inspirational... all are touching in their own way.

Here are a few quotes that really gave me pause.

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain.

Everyone has issues in their lives. You just might not be able to see it on the surface.

I have learned that I don’t have to search for who I am, because it’s been inside me all along. I just wasn’t ready to see myself, my real self, because I was afraid it wouldn’t be good enough. And you know what? My real self kicks ass.

What about me? Well, 20 years ago I was about to turn 3. I really don't remember anything, though we moved out into the country around that time. I'm sure that has shaped me into who I am today.

10 years ago I was almost 13. I was about to go straight into grade 8 (instead of 7)... which was my older brother's class (we went to a small school, so there was only a classroom of about 20-25 of us with one teacher for everything). Needless to say, I was nervous. I had no friends because I was chubby, English (went to a French lower school... french schoolgirls are very "clique" unfortunately for me) and "the brain" so it really wasn't the best year of my life.

But I had big plans. I was going to excel despite my circumstances. I was going to have friends in high school and be rich and famous. I still didn't know how I was going to do that, but I knew I was smart enough to realize it. Oh yeah, I wanted horses too (maybe not by 23, but still) ~ I had my heart set on a black stallion.

Now I'm starting my Master's. I'd say my life is pretty much exactly as I imagined: big city dreams... I don't think I ever counted on having a serious boyfriend though (but I hoped and hoped!), never mind being with the same man for 7 years! Now, though things are good, there are things that I need to work on to make my life better and healthier. Being lazy is at the top of the to-do list (or rather the not-to-do list).

I still want horses (preferably at least one all black).


What about you? How is your life compared to what you thought it would be 10, 20 years ago?

2 comments:

MARGARET FIELD said...

Hi Amanda, look forward to seeing you on MAMMA's Flickr Group.

You don't have to join in every week, only when you feel like it.

Enjoy
xxx margaret xxxx

Angie said...

I don;t think I am where I thought I would be....but I'm further in some aspects where I thought Iwould be (never thought my artwork would take off), and not so far in other areas - thought I'd be working out of university.

Anyways, I thought of this song - it fits your entry well :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmprrUyVBRo