I discovered the book Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli when I was in my third year at university. I was in my second semester of a new program. Yes, I just didn’t change my major; I was in a whole new program. I didn’t know anyone. I had so many unresolved issues and problems. I was lost and didn’t really know who I was. Then this book came into my life and I got to know Stargirl. She is indescribable yet so real. She is so young but she seems to have grasped the wisdom of the ages. I would like to share a few quotes that might inspire others who have not been touched by her magic.
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“It was a rebellion she led, a rebellion for rather than against. For ourselves. For the dormant mud frogs we had been for so long.” – Stargirl Caraway
You are doing yourself and the world a disservice if you don’t embrace your true self. Don’t be afraid to show people what you are passionate about. Go against what society expects of you. Rebel against people who force you into stereotypes and boxes. Rebel for yourself and your right to be who you are.
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“I’m not my name. My name is something I wear, like a shirt. It gets worn. I outgrow it, I change it.” – Stargirl Caraway
Everyone should be careful of the labels they place on themselves and on others. Labels are very powerful and can actually dictate how people choose to act and live their lives. We are ever-changing beings. Always strive to live up to who you are inside instead of what people label you to be.
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“I root for everybody!” – Stargirl Caraway Caraway
This kind of anti-competitive attitude should be embraced by everyone. We live in one world and we are all working hard to have a beautiful life. We are wasting time and energy taking sides, making enemies, and bringing each other down to get ahead. Why don’t we try another approach? Let’s cheer for each other, support endeavors, and believe in the power of unity.
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“Nothing’s more fun than being carried away.” – Stargirl Caraway Caraway
We hide beneath cool exteriors and try to act like we don’t care about anything. We hold ourselves back instead of fully enjoying the moment. We tell people to “chill” when they get too excited over a little thing. We bite our tongues lest we say something corny or mushy to our loved ones. We wait for special occasions to do or give something nice to the people in our lives. You might argue: we could all die tomorrow so what’s the point? But then again, we are all going to die anyway; why not be all you can be and do all you can do today?
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“It (enchantment) started when the earth was born. It never stops. It is, always. It’s just here.” – Stargirl Caraway Caraway
Life is never boring; there is so much going on in nature and the world. So stop complaining and start exploring. With each new day is the opportunity to learn something new. Learn to slow down and see, hear, and feel. Be observant and learn to appreciate the things you might have overlooked. You might be pleasantly surprised with what you discover. Continue to be fascinated with life.
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“The earth is speaking to us, but we can’t hear because of all the racket our senses re making. Sometimes we need to erase them, erase our senses. Then–maybe–the earth will touch us. The universe will speak. The stars will whisper.” – Stargirl Caraway
Sometimes we rely on our five senses too much. But sometimes, they are faulty. Our eyes can deceive us. Our ears and noses can fail on us. Our tongues can betray us. Our hands and feet can break down. The physical world is so fleeting and so misleading. Sometimes we need to go deeper inside our selves and get in touch with our soul.
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“Bad things did not stick to her. Correction: her bad things did not stick to her. Our bad things stuck very much to her…. All of her feelings, all of her attentions flowed outward. She had no ego.” – Leo Borlock
Compassion and love have ways of coming back to you if you give without holding back. And if you focus your energy on helping others, your sadness and misfortunes gradually become insignificant. The pain will still be there but the happiness and fulfillment from helping others outweigh it.
It might seem that I am putting so much significance in this book. However, that is not the case. The messages that the author is trying to send out – those are the important things. I may no longer be a teen or a young adult (the intended audience of the book) but I still find truth in these quotes. I hope that somehow they can also inspire you and many others.
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