IN WHICH THIS ANGRY BIRD REFUSES TO BE KANDY KRUSHED.
This Fourth of July, as ever, we celebrate our independence from Britain.
However, every day is Independence Day for me. That’s because I live free from dependency on the opinions of others, the social strictures of society which don’t resonate with me, “rules” — spoken or un — which besides making no sense to me, represent nothing more than a straitjacket to who I am. I strive to live authentically, a celebration of self which was hard-fought and won through dropping baggage, picking up self esteem, and shedding “shoulds” that should be taken out to the shed, pronto.
I once saw a button which declared “Question Authority.” I never forgot it, because even before I came into full possession of myself, I sensed its wisdom — it resonated with me. Because if you don’t question authority — in its literal sense as figures, institutions, and rules/laws, or as unwritten social codes and constraints, you will always be handing over the keys to “Them.” And much of what “They” have decreed needs to be vigilantly and routinely scrutinized.
It’s “They” who’ve created and perpetuated the “Rules” by which we judge ourselves and others, the same myths which dictate men don’t cry or women must cut their hair after a certain age.
The prevalence of zombies in entertainment these days is a perfect metaphor for the absent state of an increasingly tranced and unquestioning humanity. It’s never been easier to anesthetize people or manipulate them, considered they’re eagerly zapping themselves electronically most of the time. Spending time in nature, or with each other, or creating, or just being, has been screened out by screens. But not only can we do without Buzzfeeds of Buzzkill, we’ll flourish, even.
Be true to yourself, be authentic, be free, because that is the gorgeous uniqueness you bring to the world, your divine gift. Have integrity, be independent of others’ opinions of you. I’ll date younger men and wear white after Labor Day, thank you very much, and if the service was zero, well, then, so will the tip be.
Be fearless. Because to not live fearlessly is to not live at all. Simply existing is so not hot.
That’s how I roll. Deal with it.
Yours truly,
