This is the answer Jean Val Jean presents to the world when he takes a huge leap of faith. He has escaped this number, 24601, as his identity after serving 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread for his starving nephew. He has become the mayor of a town in France, the owner of a large, successful factory; he has completely changed his life around after a Bishop let him steal/have lots of precious silver to help him turn his life around and dedicate it to God. He's risking it all when he goes to the courts and announces his former identity for all to hear, all to save an innocent man who authorities think is him, the escaped convict who abandoned his parole.
Now the question I've come across tonight is the same question. I don't have a big orchestra and fancy songwriters to back me up here, I actually don't even have much of a voice to sing or speak with currently. But this question popped into my head after I stormed out of a friend's room. I got up, packed my bag, and walked out of the room without saying anything besides "I'm going to the lounge.." I did this because I was being ignored. Depending on how well you know me, you or may not know this about me. I don't typically just go out and say it, but sometimes my actions and feelings show when it happens. To some, I am a soft person, to others, I am super loud and energetic. Throughout my life, I have had a problem with being ignored. Both my sisters always get better grades than I do and both get loads more attention in what they excel in, band and choir. No matter how hard I try, I can never quite get the attention and praise that they get. I love them and all, but sometimes it would be nice to get some of that recognition. That's probably why I take on so many projects, so I can strive to be praised for something I'm good at. It's probably also why I loved tae kwon do so much, that's something I'm very good at naturally and something that is very individual. My instructor rarely gave out compliments, so when he gave you one or came to you to demonstrate a kick or definition of a form, it was a big deal. I'm pretty sure I remember each compliment I've ever gotten from him.
I'm getting off topic though, whoops! I've been thinking about who I truly am lately. If you look up the horoscope of a Leo, that's pretty much me. An entertainer, I love making people smile. Whether it be through my yodeling or dancing around in public with an iPod. I am passionate for the things I love: family, friends, music, God, history, politics. I love being around people, and enjoy each moment to the fullest. I love life!
But the bad traits in a Leo are also true. I get jealous easily, which is something I'm working at, and my temper can get bad. Luckily, I don't believe in astronomical stuff like horoscopes and so I'm just using this as an example, not a "I'm a Leo so that defines me" kind of thing. I've gotten better at overanalyzing things, letting things go, I can become friends with people who irritate me at first. I've found that I just have to make myself hang out with them more and then I eventually befriend them. But the thing most accurate about me is my temper. I never get mad, and I get along with most people. But once you push my buttons, you will be on my bad list. I will notice all the things about you that irk me. I will observe your every flaw. I will laugh at your attempts to befriend me. I will know what you say about me behind my back. But I won't treat you badly for it. That is both a pro and a con, I think. Every person deserves respect, and it is very VERY rare for me to be flat-out mean to someone. I actually can't think of the last time this happened. Seriously, I get peeved, but I don't do legit MEAN things to people. Just sly things to try and catch them off-guard.
This all sounds really awful, and makes me seem like a totally bad person. But it's my flaw. If I get mad, it's in short spurts. I usually contain it by going to my room and belting out music or distracting myself with friends. This keeps me calm, which is something I am easily able to do with all the activities I do. You can't be involved with students, teachers, politicians, musicians, authorities, and people of multiple intelligences without keeping a cool head. Nevertheless, today I stormed out of that room because of my flaw. I couldn't stand what was going on in front of me and I was being ignored. That was enough. But I felt bad about it a few minutes after I got out to the lounge. I sent some angry texts I shouldn't have sent, but the past is the past. As someone who specifically studies the past, this is something that is difficult to avoid. I'm working on it, though. I know it will take time, but eventually this flaw will shrink away and no longer be a part of who I am.
Have a lovely day! :)
Gina
