I Make My Own Path in This World

Very few times have I watched figure skating on TV, so I’m not familiar with Johnny Weir, but I’m impressed with what I’ve learned in this short article and accompanying video(s).

The interview was largely about how Weir decided to work hard for his dreams (he comes from a small town) and that he lives his life exactly how he wants (dressing in flamboyant attire; “Too much is not enough.”) and not how others tell him to be.

“I don’t need to answer to anybody.
I make my own path in this world.”

That statement is very powerful. It’s something that I wish more young people would embrace. Being confident in who you are and sharing that with the people you meet (on the street each day… Sesame Street, anyone?) to infect others with a higher self esteem (which, I feel, is lacking in many people these days… I wonder why that is.)

Of course that doesn’t mean we should be a jerk while embracing this idea. But Johnny has a cool disposition (in the few videos I’ve just watched of him this morning), is poised and polite.

When he addresses his feelings toward the 2010 Olympic gold medalist, Evan Lysacek, who’s beat Johnny two years in a row, I feel he is speaking honestly when he says, “I absolutely hold no grudges against Evan. Of course he was important in my life, simply because he was my biggest rival from the United States. He’s the Olympic champion and a world champion, and of course I’m jealous of those things that he has. But that’s the only jealousy or grudge I hold against him.”

Those last two sentences are what impress me… he’s jealous of the things he has, but that’s all. He doesn’t dwell on the fact that Evan has bested him or punish himself for not being as good, he instead has a healthy attitude toward his rival by recognizing his accomplishments and not attacking his character.

This is a highly combustive subject so I’ll just share what Weir pointed out about being a gay man. Meredith Vieira asked about “coming out” and he said:

“I’m very surprised by the reaction, because I’ve never lived in a closet. I’ve never claimed to be straight or gay, I claimed to be Johnny Weir. And that’s something I think is very important for anybody in this world is to own who you are, regardless of what you’re born into. I was born a white male, a white gay male, and I don’t celebrate being white or male, so why should I celebrate being gay? That’s my opinion on the whole thing.”

This man impresses me with his demeanor and inspires me to be proud of  and work hard at what I am good at, not dwell on what I’m not good at or the things I have little or no control to change.