Grateful Dad #9.23: Reimagining
In the last few months, I keep on seeing articles about famous places around Metro Manila that are reimagined or given a breath of life via artists’ renditions. First is a reimagined Pasig River which looks dreamy, modern, and every bit first world. Then there’s a greener EDSA with an abundance of trees and plants; it would make you feel like this main thoroughfare has been forested. Lastly, there’s the reimagined City of Manila which again was made greener and less congested.
Grateful Dad #9.23: Reimagining
While the images of these places look like they’re from another world, it’s still encouraging to think of the possibility that these could become a reality. As they say, one’s limit is their imagination. The greatest inventions and events in the world were, for sure, born from a tiny spark of imagination.
Anyway, which brings me to another topic, and that is imagining or reimagining a different and, of course, better version of oneself. I do this all the time, to be honest, but it was at its peak when I was in high school and during my early years in college. I guess it can be called daydreaming back then but I found a better name to call it and that is reimagination.
Back in those days, I had a version of myself in a parallel universe. I imagine that person to be smart, intelligent, confident, eloquent, charismatic, good-looking, and well-dressed. Suffice it to say that that person is the opposite version of me.
I wanted to wake up one day, stare in the mirror, and see that person that I reimagined. It didn’t happen, obviously, but I took some pointers from that person and tried my very best to replicate them. Sort of taking inspiration from someone you idolize and making an effort to imbibe their positive characteristic.
Yes, it’s human nature to desire something that is not in their possession, precisely because we want that experience. However, in the end, we must learn to accept that we can’t always get what we desire and that we can’t be somebody else’s clone. We are unique individuals, living our own lives. Our personal situation may be ordinary but unique, nonetheless.
I’m sure you’ve been in a similar situation in which you wanted to be somebody or something else. How did you surpass that situation? Feel free to share your experience in the comment section below.
Also read: Grateful Dad #12.24: Rafa Starts School