My father used to love the expression “I yam what I yam,” quoting from the infamous Popeye. He would often say it in jest, and looking back, I suppose I inferred that it was sort of a “what you see is what you get” type of saying.
Our past; our childhood and lifetime experiences shape us; it will bring to us a very individualized way of processing the world that is unique to us. I suppose we can look at this saying in two ways. When we apply it to ourselves, we have a greater ability to say “Well, while it is true that I am what I am, there are times when perhaps I am doing something that is no longer in my best interest or can be hurtful to others.” If we become aware of these behaviours and move to change them, we can shift from the expression of “I am what I am,” to more of “I am what I choose to become” and we are not so bound to our past.
We can also apply this saying to others in that they really “are what they are.” And because of this, we at times will need to remind ourselves of two things: that people show you who they are early on and that we cannot change another person, only ourselves. A valuable lesson to learn at any age 🙂
A valuable reminder for the workplace as well!
Hi Nat,
Good point!
A valuable lesson to learn early in life. The mistake of thinking or believing we can change who someone is.
Yes, sometimes we put blinders on when we are in a new relationship, friendship, etc and we can ignore the red flags, falling into the trap of thinking “that will change with time.” When in fact, it usually doesn’t.
Thank you for your daily inspiration! This one resonates with me. For years I worked endlessly trying to change to those I loved. Thinking it was my responsibility. I now realize my job is me, becoming the best version of just me! Thanks again😊
Hi Cathy, thank you for your valuable insight! And you are right; we have a responsibility to ourselves to be the best versions of us 🙂
“When people show you who they are, believe them the first time” Maya Angelou.
Today’s gem is a classic that also demonstrates that just because something is simple doesn’t mean it’s easy. I think one thing I’ve learned is that at least for me, the more profoundly simple a thing is, the harder I have to work to get it!
Hi Gurlie,
So true! But it always does come back to that doesn’t it? Simplicity does keep us grounded; even when its hard work 🙂