Be Nobody But Yourself - E.E. Cummings - Wear Your Hat
May 22nd, 2008 | by Debra Oakland |E.E. Cummings wrote long ago, that most people struggle to be who they truly are day in and day out. We seem to shape shift into whatever is needed by different people and situations throughout the day as we wear our different hats. In fact if you ask 10 different people to describe one person to you, it is a good chance that you will get 10 different answers. Those who really are authentic and know who they are, living out that truth are in the minority. I think it is time to be you, all the way, every day.
What do you say? Try it out. Take off all the hats you wear and put on the YOU hat. Leave it on no matter what. It may not be easy, especially at first. The hat may be lopsided, itchy, bent, or falling off, but it will get much more comfortable the longer you wear it. After awhile you will forget it is even on as you move through your day as your true authentic best self, never in need of another hat, because yours is a perfect fit. I think your hat is beautiful and so is mine.
“To be nobody but yourself - in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you like everybody else - means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight - and never stop fighting.”
E.E. Cummings
1894-1962, Poet
Tags: E.E.Cummings, Poet
4 Responses to “Be Nobody But Yourself - E.E. Cummings - Wear Your Hat”
By cody on May 22, 2008 | Reply
You never stop impressing me with your ability to write so to the point of a subject, and on many occasions, bring a lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. You are beautiful inside and out and I love the hat you wear. You Rock!
By Nicole Mckinney on May 22, 2008 | Reply
Hi Deb,
I loved this posting. I work each and every day to keep “MY HAT” on. Being oneself, through honesty and truth with dedication to who “you” are, as we use our courage to attain our goals is truly the best measure of success.
Thank you for taking the time each and everyday to find extraordinary people who help us keep focused on building our courage towards the road of fulfilling all our dreams.
Love Always Nicole
By BJ on Jun 3, 2008 | Reply
Debbie,
Thank you for the E.E. Cummings posting. It made me recognize the many many hats I have tried to wear, not very many of them authentic. I have now found one that really fits and feels comfortable. It looks good on me too. It is not how other people think it looks, but how I know it looks and feels on me. Big AHa moment for me. Thanks for the amazing inspiration you are sharing with all who are being blessed by this site.
MOM
By Bart Mruz on Jun 13, 2008 | Reply
This is an interesting item for me to read today. It’s correct. I think for most of us conforming started with always giving our parents what they expected; then we did it with friends. Even after 38 years on the planet I catch myself still “molding into” what others expect. I thank God I have new authentic friends and a life partner who constantly challenge me to stand in my truth. At first it was a bit stressful, but I see now how telling more truth simply unfolds more truth. Authenticity is where it’s all at! Much love and harmony, BART