Of course we are influenced by our current selves! Path of least resistance, water running downhill...

I've come to believe the act of extending oneself is a lost art. I work with people who's daily lives consist of waking up late, running to work, working with blinders on, driving home, eating take-out, and watching television until it's time to go to sleep. The most interesting thing you can get out of them is what happened on "Big Brother" last night. Frankly it scares me, because I don't think they know themselves.

Except for the cases of recreational drugs and snowboarding, how many people have REALLY been hurt by trying something new? Okay, so I almost left out the Titanic.. but still, Neitzche was on to something here. Even if you discover that you can't paint, rollerblade, or make pie crust like your Grammy, the journey itself will teach you wonderous things about who you are, and what you can become.

For me it's just the difference between finishing the dance and moving quietly to your seat, and finishing the dance with a flourish and a "TA-DAAAH!"

~Elle