While I realize it is socially popular (and pretty cool-sounding) to rebel against authority, to be a unique individual, to "discover" yourself, I honestly have no yearning to join the ranks of the fierce, independently confident teenagers striding to create their own radical identity. The idea of being "outside the box" never made sense to me. What makes up the boundaries of the walls in that enclosed area? Is it doing what my parents tell me? Is it going to bed early and always finishing my homework on time? Does it involve how I dress, whether it's up to date with the latest fashion (or a far cry from it)? If so, then I am stuck so, so deep inside this "box". I was brought up to be obedient to authority, and it has never failed me. It doesn't mean that I always blindly follow whoever seems to be in charge, but the majority of advice I have been given serve to benefit ME the most in the end. I don't take many physical risks; I am content with my (generally) docile personality, my group of friends, and the simple, everyday pleasures of life. After rereading what I've written thus far, it is clear that I come across as a completely spineless, wimp who doesn't seem to have any opinions of her own whatsoever. In all honesty, I am totally aware of what excitement awaits me if I step outside of my self-proclaimed comfort zone. True, one needs to explore and expand her boundaries to become more open-minded to what's really going on in the world. However, I believe that there is a clear difference between being blindly, purposefully oblivious and quiet, purposeful contentment with what surrounds me. I love to travel; there’s nothing quite like seeing the rich world of literature come to life before your eyes in London, climbing atop the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris, eating delicious cuisine from Shanghai, or being awed by the majestic landscapes in rural New Zealand. Nonetheless, my favorite feeling in the world is watching the plane land in polluted, overpopulated, hectic Los Angeles, because that is home. I do what I do because it is comforting and satisfying.
Comments