“Why can’t I try on different lives, like dresses, to see which fits best and is more becoming?” – Sylvia Plath
“I act and react, and suddenly I wonder, ‘Where is the girl that I was last year? Two years ago? What would she think of me now?’” – Sylvia Plath
I have been thinking a lot about life in the recent hours, weeks months; both career related and romantically. When I read these two quotes from Sylvia Plath, I was shocked. I knew exactly what she meant. I have been able to see myself living so many kinds of life. Not just as a fleeting thoughts but real lives. My imagination is so vivid. Maybe that’s why I write. To write about the lives that I will never live but so I can still experience it, even if it’s only a little bit.
I just really wish I could try on lives like dresses. And what would the me of years ago or the me of years in the future think of my choices now?
Do you ever have these thoughts?
– Ermisenda Alvarez
Ermilia 
I have tried on several and looked awful in all of them.
I still need to try them out.
My own response is that these statements are only shocking from the conventional perspective that we are essentially one thing that doesn’t really change so much over time. That’s not how we really experience our lives, however. I’m not the same person I was an hour ago, let alone a year. And we do live innumerable lives – there’s no limit to the number of our “sub-personalities” in one school of psychology.
It’s seems like part of the tragedy of Sylvia Plath was that having this understanding so far ahead of her time isolated her so much.
It is true we have many parts of our selves. We express different sub personalities throughout our lives. But from my perspective, I often wonder what would happen (would I be happy) if I pursued that sub personality (and the life that comes with it) to its full extent. Thanks for commenting, Morgan.
I’ve worn in my clothes over the years. They’re comfortable, though a little tattered sometimes. They define me as well as anything. To change my clothes would be to change me.
Do you think I’ve gone far enough with this metaphor?
🙂 That’s a lovely way to see it. I’m glad you’re comfortable in your clothes/life.
I would definitely love to try a new one. Not satisfied with this life. 🙂
If only it was that easy. 🙂
By the way do you recognize me, Ermisenda? Both me and my blog went through a change because of my sudden anger few days ago. You probably noticed it on Facebook and liked my status update. 🙂
Oh hey! The name tricked me. I think that if you were ready for that change, then it’s the best thing you could have done. 🙂 I sent you a Facebook message when I had seen the updates but I never got a reply (at least Facebook didn’t tell me you replied). I hope you’re feeling better though.
Rotating your wardrobe can become exhausting, to the point where you wonder if anything fits at all anymore.
😦 You will find clothes that fit you.
Reblogged this on summerjazzblog.
I just saw your reply here, Ermisenda. Sorry for the late reply. I’ve not seen any reply there yet. The “Messages” page is simply not opening. Moreover, I think FB is just not for me. My account got reactivated but it’s all there with a vacant look and this time I don’t want to change it. It’ll be better for me if I do things there on my own without expecting anything in return. Expectation if not fulfilled, can fuel the anger very well. I’ve learned my lesson. Have a good day. 🙂
“Expectation if not fulfilled, can fuel the anger very well.” So true.
🙂
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