Have your ever watched the movie Shrek? Do you recall that moment when Shrek tries to explain to Donkey that “Ogres are like onions”? I was only about six years old when I first watched that movie, and I never understood what Shrek meant when he compared himself to an onion. At first, I thought he must have really like onions for some reason, but after watching the movie again as a young adult, I finally understand what he means.
Many of us have layers added onto us. Now, imagine yourself adding layers upon layers of clothing in order to keep yourself warm, comfortable and protected during the winter. Just the same, the layers that we add onto ourselves help us to stay happy, comfortable and safe.
The core of an onion is the foundation of an onion’s growth. When comparing an onion to a person, we can think of this core as the self--a soul that resists change though time. Some can argue that experiences and relationships to other people are what make up our selves, but I want to believe that I am made up of something that is not the result of someone I may not even know. However, the layers that shield my core are the results of different experiences and people influencing me. Therefore, I do think that I am made up of a self, and over time, that self is hidden by outside influences. As a result, I have had moments where I peeled off a layer, surprising myself because I never knew I was capable of doing something different.
- I never knew I could speak loud and clearly in front of people. When I had to present my research at a conference, I had to talk to whoever asked about my research. I was told that I actually did a really good job.
- I really love to dance. People do not believe me when I tell them I dance like there's no tomorrow. Usually, people think that I'm boring and “no fun.”
- I can be blunt and sassy. Yes, I tend to be quiet and prefer to just listen, but I can speak my mind loud and clearly.
- I can be active and lift actual weights. People may look at me and think that I am physically weak, but I am capable of doing lifts, racing and defending myself. I even have experience as a martial artist.
- I can be creative. Again, people tend to think that I'm boring and that I'm only good in math or science. but I can write stories, draw animals and sculpt fruits.
I may not be able to define my self, but I do know that it exists. One day, I'm sure I'll be able to stop peeling off and growing new layers and instead just stay at an equilibrium.
