When you were little, what were you going to be when you grew up?
I'm not asking for the semi-logical answers formulated by your eight year- old, elementary school educated mind. Instead, think back further! What answer would you have given "mommy" or "daddy" or "insert guardian name here" while drawing delightfully creative pictures for the fridge, and asking for assistance with the doodles (that mean your name) to sign the completed masterpiece.What did your limitless imagination conjure up before pesky societal influences and further, rational brain development changed it? Please comment and share!
Santa Claus. Rock star. Turtle. Spy. Zoologist. Astronaut. Mommy. Ninja. Batman. NBA Player. Park Ranger. Garbage Man (to ride on those cool trucks without seat belts!). Triple Threat (Actor/Singer/Dancer). President. Motorcycle Racer. Candy Store Owner.
Like many little girls, I was going to be a princess. When left alone long enough to dress myself, I would dress accordingly. On numerous occasions, this required rifling through my mother's drawer of negligees, which I believed to be the perfect princess-esque dresses.
With the influence of my brothers and neighbor boys, I began to draw away from the dainty aspect of sovereign living. Despite what my brother said about girls drooling, I knew I didn't need to be saved by a stupid boy. So, while still maintaining my undeniable appreciation for sparkles and glam, my dream shifted away from negligees, undoubtably relieving my mother.
I was still going to be a princess, but a type of princess more fierce than Disney had ever known.
I WAS GOING TO BE A WARRIOR PRINCESS.
Note: This was before Mulan.
1. Contrary to my previous belief, there exists a photo of me in nipple pasties that I may post on the internet without jeopardizing my potential for a successful political career.
2. Dreams and aspirations change and grow just as readily as we do.
3. Imagination and creativity are both beautiful and under-valued.
4. What you think looks good today, you'll laugh at ten years from now.
5. Which has more influence on our "rationality" - society or brain development?
6. I obviously haven't changed much.
For those of you having troubles understanding a child's perspective. I would highly recommend checking this out: another blog. On tumblr (another blogging website), I follow Dear Scarlet. The parents frequently blog about their daughter:
"This is a project to our daughter, Scarlet. We, your parents, are documenting your life. Our hope is that when you grow older you'll be able to look back and see how happy you have always made us."
