“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
J.K. Rowling
This quote from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is one of my favorites from the series. It is certainly the one I revisit the most.
We have power over our lives, over the people we become, because we have choices. As much as circumstance or fate pre-determines the rules of the game, we still have agency as we play.
Tom Riddle and Harry Potter were both orphans, both neglected and abused, and both had their worlds transformed by magic. Tom took these circumstances to fuel his narrative of power and hate as Lord Voldemort. Harry, instead, looked for (and found) belonging and love.
So I remind myself that my choices matter. Choosing to live in my values each day. Choosing to show up. Choosing to be brave. Choosing to interrupt destructive or judgmental thoughts about myself or others. Choosing to give meaning and resolutions to the rough patches of my life so far.
I even choose to be Gryffindor, when I’ve Pottermore tested as both Slytherin and Gryffindor. Sometimes I wonder if I’ve modeled my entire character after Harry Potter. What kind of person would I be without him?
Probably one with less tattoos.
With Love,
Natalie