google54a21fefcdb79515.html Randomly Kassiopeia: 6/1/09 - 7/1/09

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

sophistication

I think almost every little girl has wanted to grow up to be Grace Kelly. Beautiful, poised, elegant, sophisicated.


Long ago, I equated Sophistication with Wealth.


Growing up very much so lower-middle-class, at times even poor, I had often dreamed of the luxuries that many of my friends had: immaculate homes, pristine furnishings, the finest clothing, the opportunities to be in a plethora of extracurricular activities. Our home was clean, our furniture at times was second hand but in good condition, our clothes were plain yet functional, and extracurricular activities were limited to those that didn't interfere with the budget or the need to work.

Later, sophistication appeared as vast knowledge of the world.

I longed for the smooth words and wit of the intellectual. I envied those exposed to culture and arts; my world absorbed much of these only through books. It was words, expressions, lines, colors and history. I dreamed of travel and experiences out of my immediate grasp.

But at this stage of my life, almost mid-life, I've learned that sophistication is so much more, as defined in Webster's in the third definition: the process or result of becoming more complex, developed, or subtle.

It is the ability to handle life with grace and poise without drawing attention to yourself. It's wise choices and balanced relationships. What I notice most about the sophisticate, is the ability to make mistakes and not pull others into seedy drama. It is the ability to seem steadfast and appear unshaken dispite your circumstances, and the ability to not wallow in self pity.

For those how have endured any drama I have dragged them into, I extend my deepest apologies. I hereby endeavor to become more complex, to develop deeply as a person, and live life subtly.

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