That's not me

You guessed correctly...that's not me

Once again, the AWESOMENESS that is Game of Thrones inspires a post. And while I should’ve written about the wolves by now, alas I still haven’t. This time, the goods come from Arya Stark, the young tomboyish daughter of Lord Stark. As the good book says, “Out of the mouth of babes…”

This week we only see her for a scene as she is completely engaged in her practice to become a master swordsman – talking of balancing on one toe for hours and catching cats. When warned by her father that she may suffer a hard tumble down the stairs, her (paraphrased) retort is that there is always a lesson in pain. And as good as that nugget is – it’s not even the most awesome thing that she said.

Young Arya questions why she can’t be a knight. Her father attempts to soothe her by describing a future where she is the wife of a noble lord who bears sons who will be knights, lords, and advisors to the king. As lofty a dream as this would be for any little girl, our young heroine rejects it saying “No, that’s not me.” Here we find her awesomeness most awesomely displayed.

It is always difficult to express ourselves genuinely and to actualize the being within – and even more when that expression is the complete opposite of every institutionally conventional image. To say “This is me” is awesome – it is the utterance of a free soul, unfettered and empowered. It is the voice of the risen phoenix, assuming its noble perch in all its splendor.  But to say “No, that’s not me” – that’s another animal. That is the utterance of a fighter, challenging the impositions, assumptions, and limitations being forced upon it.  This is a cat that will be nothing less than a lion. This is the queen without a crown that claims her sovereign right to will demanding her power be relinquished.  This is courage and resolve – and it will become an unyielding strength.

I know that many of us are sitting under the burden of an image that has been projected upon us – an image that we have not yet had the courage to reject.  So, start small…say to yourself - “That’s not me” as you watch a YouTube video of a honey badger. Then work your way up until when you are confronted with the binding limitations of an institutional role you can reject it with the courage and conviction of a little girl.

P.S. For all of the fans of Game of Thrones, I found a cool illustrated guide to the houses. Check it out:

Let me give you some advice…

Why do TV and movies always make "little people" magical?

I pay too much for cable. Every month I send AT&T and ungodly sum of money to pay for my internet, cable, and phones (landline and wireless). I am a coppertop in their matrix. Such is life. But every once and again, the value of the service merits the cost. And as I watched the premiere of “Game of Thrones” on HBO, that balance was met.

I’m not going to spend much time telling you about how awesome this show is. Just believe that it is – plus I’m certain that no less than (insert an astronomical number) blogs have already choked servers with its praise. There’s no need for me to walk a well-worn path.  What I want to highlight is the advice that a naughty, yet perceptive, dwarf gave to an illegitimately born son of a House Lord.

“Let me give you some advice bastard. Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you.”

Harsh words, right?  You don’t go around calling people bastards. Those were fighting words in every kung fu movie I’ve ever watched - ketchup would be spilled at its utterance. However, in this instance, the word was used to liberate. How so?

We often try to deny what we are because we are ashamed. Because what we are doesn’t  fit perfectly within the picture. Because what we are fails to meet an imposed standard that we didn’t participate in creating. Because what we are has been used to injure us. And it’s all because we haven’t yet owned our perfectly flawed, hideously beautiful selves. 

My advice? 

• Own what you are and wear it like armor.
• Pay a ridiculous bill to your local cable provider and watch “Game of Thrones” with me.