a return to principle By Catherine on 5/25/2007 06:29:00 AM
In the year since graduation, I've changed. That's no news, really, we all have-- but this morning, I was able to pinpoint it. I heard Green Day's cover of John Lennon's "Working-Class Hero", a song I've known since childhood, and I realized-- I'm on the path to suburban boring mom-hood, and that's not okay with me.The "adult" world is so full of pressure to conform, to make money, to acquire status, to gain success-- that I've forgotten what I used to be about. For three years, I worked for little money in a non-profit, community-oriented, ecologically-friendly, socially conscious co-op selling quality products to like-minded people. I had a purpose there, that was more than someone's errands-runner. I thought about injustice, politics, MY politics, the community... But I've lost sight of that.
I need to find my principle again. What is important? My creature-comforts, or making myself a better person? Living in the suburbs or making a difference in someone else's life? Getting married and starting a family or helping families that exist already exist more wholly and together?
I used to feel like I made a difference, in my small co-op community. I was dedicated, principled, and had little time for the self-pity I know I'm so prone to. So, let's go back to basics. Starting today, I'm going to do one thing everyday that will make my new community a better place.
Today, I'm going to start at home, with me. From now on, no more sad, depressed, bored, stifled Catherine. Starting today, the real me is back.