“I hum some secret place into being, thinking of this other me, the one that only I can see, a girl called She, who is not We, a girl who I will never be.”
In this quote, Lori Lansens beautifully captures the internal struggle of self-discovery and self-acceptance. The speaker describes creating a secret world where she can explore a different identity, separate from her own. The use of repetition in "a girl called She" emphasizes the distinction between the speaker and this imagined persona. This quote delves into the complexities of individuality and the longing for a version of oneself that may never exist. By creating this separate identity, the speaker is able to explore aspects of herself that may be hidden or suppressed in reality.
In today's fast-paced world where social media often dictates how we perceive ourselves and how we present our identities to the world, the words of Lori Lansens hold a poignant relevance. The idea of creating a secret place within ourselves, where we can truly be ourselves without any outside influence, resonates with the modern struggle to maintain a sense of individuality and authenticity in a world that constantly demands conformity. Lansens' exploration of the inner self, separate from the external pressures of society, serves as a reminder to embrace and nurture the unique aspects of our identities that make us who we truly are.
"I hum some secret place into being, thinking of this other me, the one that only I can see, a girl called She, who is not We, a girl who I will never be." - Lori Lansens
This quote resonates with me as it speaks to the idea of creating a private inner world within ourselves, where we can explore different aspects of our identity. It reminds us that there are parts of ourselves that are unique and hidden, only known to us.
In this quote by Lori Lansens, the idea of creating an imaginary version of oneself is explored. Reflecting on this concept can lead to deeper insights into our own identities and desires. Here are some questions to consider:
Have you ever imagined or created an alternate version of yourself, like the girl called She mentioned in the quote? What characteristics or qualities does this imagined self possess?
In what ways does this imaginary version of yourself differ from your actual self? What does this reveal about your wants, fears, or hidden desires?
How does the act of creating this secret place for your imaginary self affect your sense of self-identity? Does it bring you comfort, escape, or a sense of freedom?
Reflecting on the quote, what do you think the author is trying to convey about the complexity of individual identity and the idea of multiple selves existing within one person?
How can embracing and exploring this alternate version of yourself, like the girl called She, lead to a deeper understanding of who you are and who you want to become?
“Before she closed her eyes tonight, Rose said she regretted that she has not done something heroic in her life. Well, it's not like she can suddenly climb a tree and save a cat, or go to medical school and begin some important cancer research. But Rose has been my sister. I think that's heroic.”
“Aunt Lovey used to tell me that if I wanted to be a writer, I needed a writer's voice. 'Read,' she'd say, 'and if you have a writer's voice, one day it will shout out, 'I can do that too! ”
“I would not have dreamed back then, could never have imagined, that one day I would be a childless mother too.”
“I have never looked into my sister's eyes. I have never bathed alone. I have never stood in the grass at night and raised my arms to the beguiling moon. I’ve never used an airplane bathroom. Or worn a hat. Or been kissed like that. I’ve never driven a car. Or slept through the night. Never a private talk. Or a solo walk. I’ve never climbed a tree. Or faded into a crowd. So many things I’ve never done, but oh, how I’ve been loved. And, if such things were to be, I’d live a thousand lives as me, to be loved so exponentially.”
“The strangest thing about strange things is that they're only strange when you hear about them or think about them later, but never when you're living them.”
“In sleep, my sister and I found a common breath. In dreams, we knew the moon.”