Rough Edges

[wayfaringwordhack]

I know that 99% of the people on my friends list are writers, and I'm pretty sure than a 100% of that 99% are interested in character arcs, specifically helping their MCs improve or grow stronger over the course of novels and, perhaps, shorts.

But a conversation with frigg  got me thinking and wondering: How many of you have the same concern for YOURSELF? Do you actively try to make yourself a better person? Are you aware of your faults/weaknesses, etc., and do you accept them or try to change them?  Want to share how? I don't suppose you go out and try to save the world or arrange to have redshirts  friends killed simply so you can grow through grief and strive to be a better person. *g*

I know I have plenty of rough edges, and I swear that every time I get one smoothed out, I find another jag in need of attention.

Comments

[tatterpunk.livejournal.com]

In a nutshell: I think it interesting that you didn't dwell on improving the physical... too many people think a better appearance equates with being a better, more generous person.

I had the luck (?) to experience the transformation and realize it doesn't really. My emergence from puberty was pretty abrupt and fairly satisfying, as evidenced by yearly school photos. So I suddenly had a lot of the things I'd wished for, physically, but it didn't take long to realize that I was still unhappy with myself and my behavior, and that my appearance didn't cause anyone people I admired to like me any better.

Of course, living in China has done a number on my self-image, as well. But that's a ramble for my own LJ. ;)

Also, something you have going for you in the travel/live abroad plan is your willingness to grow and your openmindness (something I hope I share)

I don't know you beyond your LJ entires, of course, but those give me every reason to think you so. (And thank you.) I mean, it's obvious we both experience frustration and irritation with our new cultures, but I don't think that excludes acceptance. I'm a little in awe of you, actually, since your living situation is one that takes an almost superhuman adaptive effort, in my opinion.


I'm constantly astounded at the number of people I meet who can only criticise their new foreign home and its natives and laud their homeland. Pity.

Isn't it? Intellectually I understand what's happened with them -- and sometimes I sympathize. But I don't understand why they would perpetuate their own unhappiness instead of striving to understand and adapt as much as possible.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

I'm a little in awe of you, actually, since your living situation is one that takes an almost superhuman adaptive effort, in my opinion.

*lol* And from my point of view, yours is the harder experience. I guess I need to start making life on Mayotte sound as easy as it is. But in reality, the thing that helps me is that, while my French is not perfect, I lived in mainland France for several years before coming here. So, the language is not a problem, well, in so much as the natives can express themselves coherently. (I never thought to excel "official language" speakers with my not-so-shiny skills).

Also, I'm living the experience with my husband (French), and it helps to have someone to share it all with.

[tatterpunk.livejournal.com]

Also, I'm living the experience with my husband (French), and it helps to have someone to share it all with.

I'll admit, I do envy you that. A number of people come here with spouses or partners, and I have to wonder at how much less intimidating Beijing would be with someone at my back.

But on the other hand, wouldn't want to inflict my cranky, culture-shocked self on anyone else!

I guess I need to start making life on Mayotte sound as easy as it is.

*g* You make it sound lovely -- but I don't get the sense that (and correct me if I'm wrong) there is a convenient expat enclave to run away to, like there is in Beijing. It's entirely possible to live here and never really live here, if you get my meaning... I've encountered expats who have been in the city for years and can't so much as count in Chinese, because they places they eat and shop and work and play are all in the "foreigner" neighborhoods, so there's never been a need. If I wanted (and I've been tempted) I could live like that as well. You don't seem to have that safety net, and I'm impressed.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

*lol* I guess I'm really becoming French because my first thought was that the French are everywhere! everywhere! not just in a tiny enclave on the island. But after thought, I realized you meant Americans. :P There might be an American or two somewhere in Mayotte, but I have yet to run across them. However, I do feel pretty well assimilated into French culture, and it hasn't even occured to me to seek out other Americans (which, come to think of it, I didn't do in Paris, either, though there is a large expat community there).