Be a Verb; Not a Noun
Reconsidering my personal definition of observation and use
The motivational point of this entire life observation post was derived from the quick glance of this photo. I recommend reading this piece before proceeding to the meat of this post.
Recently, while waste-scrolling through Pinterest, I came across the image above. It is Stephen Fry sharing his viewpoint on life shaped by the advice of Oscar Wilde. Considering this wisdom for myself, I now too have been moved by Wilde’s advice.
Reviewing my own life, I observed that I tend to use nouns to describe myself much too often. A few common examples are, “I am Bipolar,” “I am a writer,” “I am a dad,” and “I am…” so many static definitions.
While a noun is very helpful in providing a definition for a position we hold regularly or expectedly, it is the actions we take in those positions that define what we are best.
To use Fry’s input on being a verb but also adding some of my own expansive flavor, I would rather define myself by saying, “I go on mind-adventures,” “I write shitty poetry and LOVE IT,” and “I spend quality time with my son.”
These simple changes in how I communicate who I am makes a huge difference. In these small definition expansions, I am able to fluidly move, shift, and evolve my self-character rather than restrict and stick to a simple… noun.
Another area I have noticed where I confine myself into nouns is my use of a short bio for the profiles on various sites I subscribe to. There, I share that I am: a poet, writer, hardcore INFP, bipolar, and a few other details. Considering these in the context shared earlier, it seems rather lazy, to be honest.
Sure, they grab the attention of a quick glancing reader but do they really do any justice other than saying “HI! I am defined by these simple things; what do you think this means?”
I am not really doing much to help guide the imagination of others by being so restrictive.
Now, I will be honest — being expansive in a short bio section is not the easiest, and I have no clue how I will update this area but I do plan to update it. It will be tough but that’s how we grow, is it not?
Maybe the best way forward into this unknown solution is to first destroy the present self so that I may be more open and flexible to be something new and unbound. Again, I turn to Fight Club for some good advice. That being:
So, who am I? I am not sure, but I do know that I must break this shit up and start over so to be the action rather than the noun. Here’s a hammer — want to join me?
Be well, my friends.
— MT
— Extras—
