I get to decide who I am

#midlife blog crestingthehill.com.au

I'm not sure how the younger generation got so wise, but this quote from the lovely Emma Watson (of Harry Potter fame) is so relevant to how we should be living our lives.

It has taken me 50+ years to stop letting other people direct my life - to know that I don't have to answer to my parents, my peers, my husband, my children, my co-workers, or anybody else for that matter. The one and only person who decides who I am is little old (well not too old!) me.

Knowing who I am and I what I want out of life has come a little later for me than it has for Emma, but it's not too late and I intend to take full ownership of my journey and the type of person I am and the legacy I want to leave, and I'm happy to take my inspiration wherever I find it - thanks Emma!

20 comments

  1. Emma also had Hermione's wisdom... just kidding. Youngsters are much more self aware nowadays. It took me a long tme to find my way and to build up the self confidence to say this is who I am.

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    1. me too Mary - I like to think that the lessons we learnt along the way we passed on to our children.

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  2. I've lived all my life for everyone else in my world. You're right. Time I did something for me!

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    1. I think that's what our 50's are all about Di - finding out what we actually want for ourselves for a change!

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  3. Thanks for sharing this. I think it takes most of us time to discover who we are and what is really important. And once we do , we are free to give of ourselves in a meaningful way, rather than trying to impress others or meet their unrealistic expectations. We can be authentic and true rather than shallow and fake.

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    1. I like that thought Aletha - that we can give of ourselves in a meaningful way because we know who we are - thank you for that :)

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    2. I agree with you 110%! Being an empty-nester has its benefits. The difficult part is transitioning once you figure out what you really want to define yourself by.

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  4. My sons' friends seem so much more sure of themselves than I did at that age - or even now, for that matter. This is something I've been working on for a few years. Thanks for the reminder!

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    1. the younger generation are certainly much better at it than we are Lana - they have a confidence I can only dream of!

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  5. Hi Leanne! Yes that is a great quote. I do think there is wisdom in many young people--but they aren't usually as loud as the others :-) What's important is getting to that stage in our lives where we LIVE that quote. I'm making progress too! ~Kathy

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    1. that's a point Kathy - I think maybe at our age and stage we are better at putting it into practice!

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  6. It took me until I was 50 to start thinking this way and I'm so glad I did. Life is too short. Thanks for reminding us Leanne and linking up with us at #WednesdaysWisdom.

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    1. I think 50 seems to be the magic age to start reassessing for a lot of us Sue :)

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  7. That is very nice. Thanks for sharing it.

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    1. thanks for being brave enough to stop by Patrick :)

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  8. I came to the exactly same conclusion recently. Well, it took me 40 years, so I'm nowhere near Emma.
    xx Abby

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    1. you're closer than me Abby - but it's funny how these younger ones have grasped it quicker than we did :)

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  9. Great quote Leanne (and Emma) yes people can be quite bossy and forthright. Hurrah for you!

    Sally @ Life Loving

    P.s. Thanks for linking up - hope to see you again on #LifeLovingLinkie

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  10. Leanne, I am still learning this one. When you love someone, you want them to love you back, so it's hard when they don't seem to accept you. My family decided that my disease and our family issues were too much, we should be taking care of our own issues, they feel they should be done raising their children as we are all over 40. It broke my heart. I've always known I was different, I feel more, see deeper and I always felt as if my family didn't like me, I know they love me, but liking is a different thing. So, I hope that one day it doesn't hurt me as much, and it has certainly taught me how to raise my children knowing they are loved for who they are, whoever that is or becomes. So, in a way it's a gift, not being accepted. And I hope my children will do even better with their kids. xx

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    1. Families can suck at times Nikki - mine would definitely not win any prizes. I have always felt like the odd one out too - I'm just not of the same mindset as the rest of them and I think they see my "normal" life as a boring life that is just not interesting enough for them to bother with. I've learned the same lessons as you - invest in your children and show them love and be there for them when they need you. I figure if you learn lessons from the sucky stuff then it's not all in vain! x

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