thoughtful
I know that the subject line sounds more like a mood than the beginning of an entry, but bear with me.
This summer I am applying to medical schools. Some of these schools have extensive essays requiring thought and time and self-evaluation. Now generally speaking, I am not a fan of introspection. Not for other people mind you, just for me. I am more than happy to listen to a friend when they're trying to get a better grasp on who they are, but personally I've always taken issue with the very question.
Who am I? Well if I don't know, who does? Better still who can?
At the same time, my family often teases me about my tendency to forget so many things that happen in my life. If I have a minor conflict or disappointment, I quickly brush it off my shoulders and forget about it. While this does tend towards a regularly happy nature, it doesn't demonstrate thoughtfulness or (to be more candid) character.
I was reading the blog of a boy that I know, and he was so impassioned. On many levels, this was a person clearly trying to improve himself. He's a lot of fun to be around, but he isn't outspoken about his beliefs. Frankly I was surprised at the introspection he demonstrated, I would never have guessed.
And that's the point. The only time that I examine my past or my motivations for the future, I do so with another person. I shouldn't need that sounding board. I might come to more meaningful conclusions were I to take the time to think privately. But I like to stay busy with friends and family and basic entertainment. Also in the past I've only been introspective after disappointments and I've never been pleased with what I've seen or how I've felt.
There is a famous quote from Socrates that "the unconsidered life is not worth living"
Don't get me wrong. I'm very happy and I'm very lucky, but I think that an unbiased person could call me shallow and be correct. And I don't want that to be true. So I'm going to think more about how I treat the people around me and why I want the future I've picked out.
I'm hoping that I can truly do this. I'm hoping it will make me a more disciplined, thoughtful, and better person.
I'll still be happy though and I'll still love all of you. :)
This summer I am applying to medical schools. Some of these schools have extensive essays requiring thought and time and self-evaluation. Now generally speaking, I am not a fan of introspection. Not for other people mind you, just for me. I am more than happy to listen to a friend when they're trying to get a better grasp on who they are, but personally I've always taken issue with the very question.
Who am I? Well if I don't know, who does? Better still who can?
At the same time, my family often teases me about my tendency to forget so many things that happen in my life. If I have a minor conflict or disappointment, I quickly brush it off my shoulders and forget about it. While this does tend towards a regularly happy nature, it doesn't demonstrate thoughtfulness or (to be more candid) character.
I was reading the blog of a boy that I know, and he was so impassioned. On many levels, this was a person clearly trying to improve himself. He's a lot of fun to be around, but he isn't outspoken about his beliefs. Frankly I was surprised at the introspection he demonstrated, I would never have guessed.
And that's the point. The only time that I examine my past or my motivations for the future, I do so with another person. I shouldn't need that sounding board. I might come to more meaningful conclusions were I to take the time to think privately. But I like to stay busy with friends and family and basic entertainment. Also in the past I've only been introspective after disappointments and I've never been pleased with what I've seen or how I've felt.
There is a famous quote from Socrates that "the unconsidered life is not worth living"
Don't get me wrong. I'm very happy and I'm very lucky, but I think that an unbiased person could call me shallow and be correct. And I don't want that to be true. So I'm going to think more about how I treat the people around me and why I want the future I've picked out.
I'm hoping that I can truly do this. I'm hoping it will make me a more disciplined, thoughtful, and better person.
I'll still be happy though and I'll still love all of you. :)