I chose to name this blog The Etch-A-Sketch of Life because it holds a few different meanings for me. The inspiration behind the name came from a dear friend of mine who once said, “Life is like an Etch-a-Sketch; if you don’t like the picture, shake things up and start again!” While I thought it was cute and witty, the truth of this didn’t hit me for a few years. I love spontaneity, but only on my own terms. My comfort zone lies in following routines and being in control of things. I wouldn’t say I’m a control freak, but when given the option, I prefer to be in charge of what lies within my jurisdiction —in charge of the music, the air-conditioning, the conversation, my schedule, even driving. I think that’s why I’m so terrified of drugs and hypnotists; I hate the idea of not being in control of myself, which is also why change stresses me out. Seriously, even getting a haircut is a major, stress-inducing change for me. Yet so many times I’ve regretfully held back secret desires to do something drastic because of fear (like chop off all my hair in an adorable pixie cut! The temptation has presented itself many times).
However, time and experience have led Change and I to make amends, and though I’m still resistant sometimes, we’re on the road to friendship. The ability to look back now and see the bigger picture has helped me realize that some of the changes I thought were to punish me were actually the best things that could’ve happened to me. Only now can I see that while I thought I was content before, really I didn’t like the picture and was just too afraid that I could ever create something better on my own. So good old Change forced herself upon me until I had only one option—to move forward. Change is the only way we can progress, whether by choice or by force. Though these were some of the most difficult and lonely experiences of my life, by compelling me to erase aspects of my old self and start over, Change has fashioned me into a completely different person, and for the better I think. One of the first times I actually initiated and welcomed a major change in my life was moving away for college. While I love my family and friends and California, I wanted out; I knew I needed a change—a new environment, the opportunity to meet new people, a new job, and the chance to live on my own. And you know what I’ve discovered? I love it!
In his talk “Repentance and Change,” Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, “The gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to change.” I truly believe that this is our purpose here on earth—to constantly recognize and embrace the need for change, to strive to improve ourselves daily, to let go of traits and habits and attitudes that tie us down, to become the kind of person who does and doesn’t do certain things, and ultimately, to become more like Christ as we allow him to change our hearts. Sometimes we are victims of our circumstances and cannot change our environment or what other people do, but we can change ourselves. God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but we will be held accountable for at least making an effort to better ourselves. Perfection isn’t a destination; it’s a direction.
So an Etch-a-Sketch for me represents the opportunity to evaluate and recreate myself each new morning. It represents the power to make choices and shape my own future, as well as the challenge to take risks or try new things. It also symbolizes the capacity for creativity and beauty. You would be surprised how many legit Etch-a-Sketch artists are out there. While I suppose this is really just an outlet for my own thoughts and opinions on whatever I want (I am more eloquent in writing than speaking), my hope for this blog is that if people choose to read it, it may bring them a chuckle or moment of contemplation. So enjoy! Or not…in which case I welcome criticism and feedback.
Also, I’m a quote person, so here are a couple of my favorites that I think go along well with what I’ve already said:
“A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not why ships are built.”
““The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of the people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature.”
—President Ezra Taft Benson
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