Have More Imagination Than Others

So this is another quote I included in Maya’s graduation book. I LOVE that it is from Cher, one of the most celebrated, long lasting and creative performers in Hollywood. She has done movies, television, written songs, produced shows, sings, dances and has the best consumes in show business. I remember watching The Sonny and Cher Show growing up…it was awesome! Their creativity spurred on other greats and she is still out there performing at seventy-nine!

Everyday we are all inventing ourselves. It may not seem that way, yet it’s true. Each day we have choices about who we want to be, what we want to wear, what we want to do or say and the legacy we want to leave behind. As Cher reminds us:

All of us invent ourselves,
some of us just have more imagination than others.

– Cher

I would encourage a young woman to be aware that each day is full of choices, and those choices add up to create the person you have chosen to become. You can be wicked smart, get great grades and ace each exam without being arrogant. You can be friendly and kind to everyone you meet without having any ulterior motive. You can be diligent and thorough without being cocky. And, you can be silent and selective without being ignored. The point is that you have to choose who you want to be, then behave and interact with people in accordance with the person you are choosing to become.

It also means that if you do not like something about yourself, you have the power to change it. Always hold back to think about the exact, perfect words to say? Maybe next time think less and share your ideas earlier…no one is perfect. Often take charge in the room to be the leader and be in control? Maybe next time let someone else lead so you can learn about other leadership styles, learn how to serve AND how to lead from within the group. The most powerful person in the room is not always the one in charge. And what about getting to know people, do you always speak first? Maybe next time, listen more than you speak and get to know them so you understand the most valuable way to present your ideas. The most personable people I know listen more than they speak; they ask really great questions!

Every day we choose who we are going to be that day. And sometimes there are days when you just want to be and not have to choose, that’s cool. In building the life you want, make sure you choose wisely no matter what it is you are choosing. Bad choices have a way of haunting us for decades to come, or they turn into the stories we tell the next generation to let them know we had to learn along the journey just like they are doing now.

Have the courage to invent yourself, which may mean reinventing yourself. The girl you were in High School does not have to be the woman you become in college and medical school. Life is a journey not a race, a story that is written each and every day. So think, enjoy becoming who you are becoming and give yourself a break! Have more imagination than others in inventing yourself, life is more fun that way!