Sunday Post: Concept

Jo Bryant, ,

Recent events have forced me to examine the concept of being true to one’s self. At times I believe we all fall under the misguided concept that we need to conform to how others view us to keep the status quo steady.

There's more to me than what you perceive.
There’s more to me than what you perceive.

I have done that for the longest time. YEARS and YEARS. I now see that that is a flawed concept.

I am gentle...but big enough to expect respect.
I am gentle…but big enough to expect respect.

As I age I believe I have become more tolerant. The little things don’t get under my skin as they used to. In one area I have headed in the other direction. I will not accept being treated without honest respect for who I am.

There's a Hulk inside us all. And no need to be afraid of him.
There’s a Hulk inside us all. And no need to be afraid of him.

Within the concept of being truer to myself I have found my voice. I have found the Jo who wanted to and did climb mountains.

Conforming, shmorming I say these days !
Conforming, shmorming I say these days !

While I may shed a tear at them passing from my life. I know that being true to myself sometimes means walking away from those who would mould you in to their concept of who you should be. It means ignoring those that would make you feel a lesser being because fear no longer forces you to stay silent, not cuss, or walk ahead as they huddle together in their sameness.

I have a concept of who I am…it evolves. I hold tight to the core – the parts that are the framework that keep me straight and steady. I gather new aspects from time to time. I discard the parts I feel no longer serve me.

I am no loger afraid to dance the dance I want.
Sometimes you just have to no longer be afraid to dance the dance you want.

It’s my concept. It will twist and spin and change. It will have days or weeks when it isn’t perfect. I will try things on like new clothes. Hanging the ones that I like in the cupboard that is me, to be worn when I want and how I want.

I will no longer fear to let you see the real me. As I do not fear to see the real you.

I use the following words.

  • shit
  • bugger
  • fuck
  • prick
  • arse
  • piss off

…and on occasion [not often]

  • cunt

I have political, cultural, social and religious views and opinions. I will express my opinions on all those areas.

I'm different !!! That's a good thing.
I’m different !!! That’s a good thing.

I know there are other fearless beings out there who are not afraid of others whose concepts of themselves are somewhat alien to their own. My hope is that we will find each other.

Some may choose to accept my concept of Jo and I will love you for it.

No two beings are ever the same…nor should they want to be.

If you choose not to I will cherish the memories of you, let you go and hope you find someone more suitable to spend your time with.

For this designing/building/moulding of the concept I hold of who I am…who I want to be, is too important for me to ever let go of again.

***

So go on over to Jake’s. Take the flying dragon and see what others think of CONCEPT.

dragon logo

Published by Jo Bryant

I was born in the land of Banjo Paterson, gum trees, and weather extremes. I am a freelance photographer. I love to make images that make people happy. To capture forever a precious moment. I am also a freelance writer/editor. I live in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, but still like to claim my Australian heritage. I graduated with a Bachelor of Communications in 2008. I am writing my first novel. I love to write poetry, short stories, and also write for the web. And there is nothing that is on a par with a sunny summer's day spent at Waihi Beach.

85 Comments

      1. I loved him on the Robertson’s jams and everything like that. Was annoying because of PCGM (Political Correctness Gone Mad) I think I should complain that I’m offended that a toy has metal in it because I use a metal stick. Or that Ken (Barbie’s shag mag) has hair – because I have hair. Action man has the same colour skin as me. Complain!!!!!

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        1. I get frustrated at all this PC bullshit. Ohhhhh…that’s another cuss word I use. I think you should complain Alistair. I think it is good for the soul at times.
          😉
          Maybe start an occupy Mattel movement.
          😆

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          3. Made me laugh in an episode of your favourite boys (I’ve got to catch up on that.) It was an episode about Bobby and all the way through, he kept saying “Balls” and Crowley, at the end finishes with “bollocks” 😀

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          4. Hahaha – Weekend at Bobby’s…one of my favourite episodes. I’m liking Season 8 and I love the new character…the vampire tht came back with Dean…he is so cool !!!!!

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  3. Have you read the book The Witch of Portobello? I think you would love it 🙂
    I have a Gollywog too, my sister (search Gwen on my blog) gave him to me. I also use the word Cunt. I use it when I really mean it 🙂 Not often thankfully! I also use fuckwit. It covers lots of situations 🙂

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    1. Oh bollocks…I forgot fuckwit. So pleased you reminded me Barbara. I shall try to find the book and read it. I looked it up I think it sounds like a ME book. I am crying now…I looked up Gwen.

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      1. Oh, I’m sorry! Don’t mean to make you cry!! I wrote something about the Witch of Portobello on my blog too. I so loved that book, written by the guy who wrote the Alchemist

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    1. Very true Allan. That has been a hard lesson for me. I have always hated letting go of people. Finally I understand and accept that it is just how it is sometimes. Some friendships are seasonal. And it is time I put me before the friendships when they are holding me from being true to who and what I am. Even if it means walking forward alone.

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  6. More people need to realise that it is okay to be them – and they they ought to be proud of who and what they are. Kudos to you for being proud of the unique person you are.

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  9. I used to love the Incredible Hulk too. People who only knew me for a few months, at work for example couldn’t believe it when I would say I had a bad temper. The Hulk would always pop onto my head…. Don’t make me angry! You won’t like me when I’m angry!

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        1. Noooooooooooo…he’s dead remember. It does have Chris Hemsworth – I have such a funny story about Thor that I will NEVER be able to tell on my blog…so sad. And the guy who plays Sherlock Holmes is in it…can’t think of his name. I loved it. I peed myself when the Hulk beat up Loki.

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          1. Lol, yes I remember, I know the guy you mean, Cumberbatch I think his name is…. Something quintessentially (thank god for spellcheckers!) English…

            You could email me that story? Sounds well worth a read!

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          4. I quite like him as well.
            😉
            It is hilarious
            😆
            One day when I write my autobiography and the kids are old enough not to care anymore and the grandkids think it makes me sound like a cooooolllll granny I will publish it…but for now it is only for a few select ears…I will e-mail it to you soon. Just don’t be drinking while you read…you might just choke.

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  10. Well then. This has been a very informational post. I now have a new arsenal of words to spice up conversations as necessary. Won’t people be surprised.
    I think I’ve told you before, but I’ll say it again… You’re one great bad ass woman 🙂

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    1. Awwwwwwwwww thanks Angeline. The response has been great on here. I love that so many others understand what I mean and why I say it.
      Bad ass huh…can I just say I think I LOVE you !!!!!!!!!
      😆

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  12. Whoa. After reading all the comments, I got nothin’ to add. Can you believe it? Or maybe not. Can I ever just let it go? No!
    You gotta be yourself. It’s too hard to fake it all the time. And you lose that ‘self’ if you try to please everyone else. You know what they say, if they can’t take a joke… You sound perfectly perfect to me. Anyone that loves Robert Downey Jr. has just got to rock!

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  14. I know what you mean by becoming more tolerant of some things and less tolerant of others, and I believe we’d agree on which is which. This is a fun post and a good response to the challenge – oh, and thanks so much for your visit & your positive comment – I appreciate that!

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  15. “Don’t go changing, to try and please me
    You never let me down before
    Don’t imagine you’re too familiar
    And I don’t see you anymore
    I wouldn’t leave you in times of trouble
    We never could have come this far
    I took the good times, I’ll take the bad times
    I’ll take you just the way you are.”

    Good for you, Jo. 🙂

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  20. You’ve touched a nerve with a lot of people with this one Jo ….
    InAnAmazinglyGoodWay 😉
    Go Jo ! maybe you’ll come up with some new vocabulary words too ….

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  24. This is one of my favorites of allllllllll your posts, ever! I wish more people would realize the truth of what you’ve pointed out here, Jo. I accept you and love ya just the way you are, the REAL you. I hope you stay true to yourself and never let the bastids get you down. And since I was an English Major in college, I felt that I ought to share something with you. I hope you fuckin’ enjoy it as much I fuckin’ did. 🙂

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