Unexpected Character

If anyone's familiar with the rather-newish webcomic "Myron and Charlie," they will understand.

"Toofbaste!!"

Charlie, I have concluded, bears an uncanny resemblance in personality to the non-destructive version of Stitch. All to the better, I believe - Stitch is wonderful.

I have observed, at least with myself, that unexpected positive compliments make me want to emulate whatever characteristic has just been attributed to me. Signscout's been telling me since the beginning of the year that I'm pretty, and I started to believe him and want to be prettier. So, I started taking a little more care with my appearance [1]. Someone commented on how animated I was in rehearsal, and I wanted to be spirited for every rehearsal afterwards, and the show was great!

Today, someone (who I seriously look up to for the things he's done in his life thus far) said something completely unexpected about my character. And, now, I want to prove him right - I want to be known for integrity and the solid work ethic with the kids.

I don't know if I already am. I honestly have no idea what I'm known for, aside from being a Jesus-freak [2]. Should a person know what the world thinks of them? I receive a lot of conflicting opinions here. [3]

Character-shift isn't as easy as digging in to find more energy for a performance, or changing a shirt and throwing on mascara. Character-shift starts with a conscious choice of action, and then repeated, until that action is habit. This argument comes up in ethics a lot - why you can't just make an ethical call on the big things, and spend the inconsequential moments as you'd like.

Repeatedly this year, things have shifted in ways I couldn't have expected, and led me to asking, not just what I want to be doing in ten years, but who do I want to be?

_{[1] It should be noted that this is not always the case. I'm usually happiest in a decent t-shirt, jeans, and running shoes. Signscout still thinks this is attractive.
[2] I actually didn't realize that one until Christmastime with the girls on my floor. You could say there was a theme to what they got me - and we'd all done our shopping individually.
[3] Other unexpected labels have been taking my promiscuity or orientation into question, so, the world's opinion should be taken with a salt shaker.}