Response to Emerson

“The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried,” (Emerson, Self Reliance).

Emerson’s ideas in “Nature” and “Self-Reliance,” both hold some of the most primary concepts of the universe. The key to leading a satisfying life isn’t about listening to others and achieving nothing, it’s about listening to your heart and achieving everything. It’s about self- reliance. Each and every single person must trust their individual selves and express their own opinions, desires, and ideas. Emerson’s beliefs express the moral self as the most predominant asset to achieving true happiness. I believe this to be true. When one disregards the ways of society in order satisfy themselves, they will gain a better incite of their existence. If one is true to their moral ethics, and doesn’t go along with the voice of society, they will be living their desired lives. During my lifetime, I have had many self relying moments, but there’s one specific moment that truly stands out to me.

They say high school is the time where you’re supposed to find yourself. But going into high school, I had no idea who I was. Looking back on my freshman year, I spent a huge majority of my time trying to fit in with the “in crowd.” Ironically I was a cheerleader, but I wasn’t really a leader. I had many friends, but no best friends. I had decent grades, but they could’ve been better. I had goals and ambitions, but no motivation. At the time, I wasn’t conscious of any of this. But because I learn best through experience, at the end of freshman year I realized I needed to change myself. I felt like I needed to make a few changes to my life that was according to my likings, and not anyone else’s. I was sick of feeling like I had no place, and I wanted to satisfy myself and find something that set me apart from the crowd. So, sophomore year, I didn’t try out for cheerleading. Instead, I joined the cross country team. This time, it wasn’t for others, but it was for me. “What I must do is all that concerns me, not what other people think,” (Emerson, Self Reliance).

The beauty of cross country is that it’s you against yourself. So much of running is mental, which is why I learned a lot about myself through this sport. Cross country has changed me in so many ways. First of all, it’s an individual sport. Therefore, I had to be motivated if I wanted to achieve my goal times. Secondly, it not only gave me motivation, but it taught me discipline as well, which meant waking up early every single morning in the summer, as well as every day after school to go run and do hard workouts. I have also gained lifelong friends through this sport.

Before I knew it, my hard work and devotion had truly payed off. I ended up making varsity and being on the top 10, got straight A’s, and gained a significant amount of confidence from this sport. Lastly, the most important thing that cross country running has taught me was self reliance. Running has truly changed my perception of how I see myself, and it has truly helped shape my character in every single positive way.