A wise man once said, "A master can tell you what he expects of you. A teacher, though, awakens your own expectation." In being a (small) part of this community my expectations of myself have been awakened. I am no longer content to listen to the wise men speak: I want to be one of them.
In my last landmark I told my "life story" and Lalo's "goodbye Eden" post has already given more insight into my mind and the way I view myself than I ever could. Therefore, I find myself somewhat at a loss: I would write about myself but I honestly don't know who I am. In the two years that I have been posting here at Hatrack I have changed somewhat from the shy girl who first decided to stop lurking and make herself known, but not as much as I would like. However, I know more about the world now, more about life, more about myself, and much of that is because of you.
I am a teenage girl, I am a student, I am curious, I am ambitious for a good life. I love my family, I love my friends, I love stories, I love music, I love being challenged and inspired. So do many people, but I am not them so what makes me different? I don't know. What makes anyone different? Maybe I'll never know.
The one thing that has not changed even though I have posted on this forum 2,000 times now is that I still am not sure of myself. I find that although I may be interested in the topic under discussion I have a hard time forming an opinion that is strong enough to debate. I am swayed by your logic and eloquence and maybe that's what I like best about being here: that I can hear all sides of an issue, think them over, see all the facts presented. Yet even after I have thought it over and decided where I stand, I lack the confidence to make myself heard, and often someone else has thought of my point long before. This is my goal for the next two years: to develop the self-confidence and the conviction to become like you, the people who have guided me thus far.
Thank you for helping me find who and what I want to be.
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Congrats on reaching another milestone here. One thing I would say is that uniqueness is a given. You don't have to worry about it. It's a by-product of pursuing what interests you and of the opportunities you take advantage of and conversely, those that you decide to let pass.
It's very nice to know you.
Enjoy.
Posted by tt&t (Member # 5600) on :
Thank you, Dragon.
Your post describes exactly how I feel. I think everyone is unsure of themselves at times, some of us more than others. Finding out who you really are can be the fun bit. Good luck, and I look forwards to another 2000. Posted by Megachirops (Member # 4325) on :
Congratulations!
I'm glad you're here. Good luck--but despite our differences, I think you're like us now. I've always considered you an integral part of the Hatrack tapestry. Most of us--including you, I might add--seem confident on the outside. Most if not all of us aren't so sure inside. And that's probably not such a bad thing, as long as it's not crippling. But here's to discovering yourself, and overcoming insecurity! Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Congrats on 2000.
Sounds like you really know who you are, and who you want to be. That's something too few people really know -- good for you!
Here's to many 1000s more! Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
Dragon,
It's okay to be growing right where you are. I have the same problem you do, actually - my position gets stated long before I actually finish reading a thread. Keep sticking your toe in, because your ripples are just as important to this community as people who are bold and persuasive. It takes a while to gain the courage to speak, but when you do, you will find that you learn more about yourself than when you hold back.
for Dragon!
Posted by Beren One Hand (Member # 3403) on :
I think the confidence is already there. You just have to set it free. Happy 2,000th Dragon lass. Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
Congrats, Dragon ! Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Good luck, and I look forwards to another 2000. ![[The Wave]](graemlins/thewave.gif)
![[Kiss]](graemlins/kiss.gif)
for Dragon!