Although the only constant in the universe is change, as a human, it is really hard to see change in yourself or others. Maybe that is why fashion changes so much? To create the illusion of evolution through the type of person we choose to dress as. You can pass through phases of identity by what type of shoes you wear, if you have facial hair, or the jewelry you display, because how we decorate ourselves portrays how we see ourselves.

*Check me out, I am cool and artistic because I wear Chuck Taylors with paint on them, black skinny jeans, and scarves. Or look at me, I am sophisticated and adult because I have a massive engagement ring that makes my wrist sore and a Burberry trench coat. Or excuse me, I am so one with the universe with my homemade moccasins with playa dust still on the soles from Burning Man, fringed vest, and ironic sunglasses.*

I have gone through many phases of personality, all equally adorned with the costume to prove my authenticity. But what we wear isn’t always about our character, but also our age. When I was young I wanted to seem older. So much so that I would wear the most scandalous outfits trying to get in at the 18 and over clubs where even guys would ask which way the beach was. Even now when people say I look young for 32 is it really because I look young, or because I am wearing cargo pants and a hoodie?

We all crave change from ourselves and others, but figuring out how to actually change beyond the superficial is difficult. Especially because the people that know and love us the best often don’t allow us to change. They see us as we were, not as how we are trying to be. But don’t get it twisted, because you probably do that too right? Like if someone you have known for a long time is trying to be different you still keep treating them like they are the same person. “Yeah, I get that you don’t want to be the competitive type anymore, but you used to be, I am still going to accuse you of being that way because that is the you I know.”

How can we mature when the perception of our past selves haunts our present attempts to renew?

What got me thinking about all this was a report card I found from the 2nd grade. Everything the teacher said were my strengths still are, my weakness are the same, and my interests are too. So I guess The Munch is going to forever be interested in monkeys, blocks, and putting peas up her nose.