My family always says looking at my pictures that my face hasn’t changed a bit. My face, the way I look, is the same it seems. At-least that’s what they say.
Tell me do you have the same face or rather do you still look like your 4 year old self, only older maybe?
When I look at myself in the mirror I still see that unruly curly hair that I had as a school girl. Maybe that is what makes me look the same to people who have known me forever. It’s like the same face has gotten slightly bigger, wider while everything else has remained stagnant. Except for the height and some bodily changes that come as each year passes by. They find it amusing to think that I’ll be 100 and still have the same face only no teeth with lots and lots of wrinkles. Funny how the silliest of things makes one laugh!
‘If nothing has changed why do I feel like a different person myself?’
I had always thought that I’d look different in different phases of my life. You know what I mean? Like they show in movies. A person should look nothing like his or her younger self as time passes by. I had dreams that my face would change and my hair would finally begin listening to my comb’s commands. As far as I know I’m as grown up as grown up can be. Then I see myself and it’s true I still have the same face. The face I have been looking at for years now still stares back at me. And I have the same unmanageable hair too. But if nothing has changed why do I feel like a different person myself?
Yes, I know what you are thinking. And believe me you and I are on the same page. The face might not go through too much change except for aging which is inevitable. But the person inside does. Evolves is the right word perhaps. I know I’m not the same girl that I was once. And I’m sure you are not too.
Each day and each experience has changed me in ways that I cannot quite articulate. Good and bad both. People, events and books have left impressions on me. There was a time when I was naïve. I trusted people too easily. Now that part of me is nowhere to be found. Growing up does that to you. I’m bitter too. Yes, I admit it because people have hurt me in ways I never believed was possible. But I’ve also found that I have this buried strength to get over such betrayals. It has only grown with time. Change. Yes, like the extreme ends between which a pendulum swings I have seen myself transform. I’m not the same person I was a year back or even who I was a few months back.
Has it made me a better person? I don’t know. Do I like this version of myself? I think yes. Keeping the quirks aside I think I’ve changed to become a stronger person. Stronger than I was once. And change even if not visible is always nice. Don’t you think?
Omy Naba… I just wrote about how I changed this week. Well, I need to share this here. My school group is active on FB now, posting pixs. It's such an experience to see them after 25 years. And yes, the first thing I notice and exclaim is "Oh, she's teh same; A lil fat may be…" but then I wonder if they are the same people. Now, with families and careers will they be the same? Well, we need to change. If we are progressing in life, we will change within.Thanks for a thought-provoking post.
It is so true what you say. I know I have changed. For the better? Yes, I would say so. That may not appeal to some people, but I have chosen to live life on my terms. I am sorry that people hurt you, Naba. But, I empathise, since people have hurt me as well. We must take the most out of these situations and emerge as stronger individuals.
Thankfully I have not changed (or so me thinks)
Nabanita, even my parents and friends tell me that i haven't changed when they look at my childhood pics. But I surely agree that I have changed and yes for the better. I find myself changing over a period of time and every time being influenced by various factors
:). You change and also peoples perspective about you also changes. When in the same company, we never spoke, I thought you were snobbish. But now after knowing you closely, I am sure i am wrong. You are lovely! And when you change, you evolve,, so change is good. And being bitter is also important to face this bad bad world at times. So be proud of ur evolution!!
Very well written, Nabanita. Each and every word made a lot of sense!!
As long as you are liking the version of you ….you are goood to go!
Self acceptance is much more needed that the acceptance and liking of those around.
I loved this. Could totally relate..
Wonderful write up Nabanita… we are these different versions of ourselves all along arent we… the best is to change for something better… but still the good version of yourself. Lovely read . I enjoyed it
Yes, we do evolve as a person and as humans we must. Whether we are becoming the person we'd like us to be is the moot point. I have changed a lot too over the years and feel there still room for improvement. Lovely post, Naba!
I think change is what comes from within. External appearances can change with a touch of make up. It all depends on the growth and learning on the inside. And yes, situations influence change the most.
Thought provoking post Naba!
We all change – mostly on how we think and react. If I was to go back to yesterday, I would not because I like the person who I am today.
Great response on this prompt! 🙂
Parul
lovely nabs :*
I think I have grown as a person. When I look back, a naive, insecure, anxious girl has morphed into a confident mature and wise woman. Looks wise the face and waist size have doubled!
And I am glad you are stronger Naba. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
Nice thoughts, Naba.
I can relate to your post 🙂
Anita- I, Me And Myself
Change is slow and steady in us everyday. Nice of you to have quoted Dumbledore. How we look today and how we would look when we get older should not matter as it is about your inner self that needs to evolve. And yet we spend so much time and money trying to stay young and trying to defy age in vain.
Interesting take on change, Nabanita. I can relate to what you have written, I always mull over this – about the changes in me, how different I am from what I was say a few years ago. And honestly, I don't like the fact that most of us are 'changing' into bitter and cynical (more often than not) people. Something's terribly wrong with the world, but then WE are the world. Ah, it's such a vicious circle.
It is a paradox of life. My daughter wants to dress up like a grown up lady. I tell her, you have many years to wear all those adult wears, now please wear dresses for children. I tell my wife, I don't want my daughter to get older. We all did that when we were children: 'Try to wear like the elders'. And now, what is happening?? We try to pick up dresses that (we think) would make us look younger!
Loved ur post
All the experiences in life help us evolve and grow in different ways. Even the so-called negative experiences serve their purpose in a way. A good take on the prompt!
The more things change the more they remain the same ( old French saying Plus ca change plus ca change pas!)
I have changed and I have not….My face remains the same people meet me after 10 to 12 years and say your face has not changed….but yes I have changed…it is the simplest reality that people change.Great Post!
BTW thanks to Bollywood movies I thought I will look like Madhuri or Sridevi when I grow up 😛
Every day we change a bit by bit, and it is for good.. I can relate to this.. I have changed a lot from yesteryears and yesterdays..
I agree the person within you keep changing all the time, with the good and bad experiences along the way. Lots to ponder over here. Thought provoking indeed 🙂
We are victims of circumstances and we change with a time. I always tell that there is a new and improved me. You made good use of the prompt in addressing effectively how we change as a person and ur assessment spoke about lot of people. I can relate to your expression.
Simply brilliant.