“I have done nothing all summer but wait for myself to be myself again.” - Georgia O’Keeffe
credit: Jené Stephaniuk
Georgia O'Keeffe’s quote, “I have done nothing all summer but wait for myself to be myself again,” is a poignant and relatable reflection on the process of reconnection with one’s authentic self after a period of perhaps being disconnected, influenced by external pressures, or simply lost in the busyness of life.
“I have done nothing all summer...”: This doesn't necessarily mean to literally be idle. Instead, nothing here refers to the absence of external achievements, significant projects, or perhaps even the kind of focused artistic output (if you’re an artist like O’Keeffe). It suggests a period of inward focus rather than outward activity. The summer, often associated with vibrancy and productivity, was instead a time of quietude.
“...but wait for myself...”: This highlights a passive yet intentional state. It’s not about actively forcing or striving, but rather a patient allowing of your true self to resurface. This implies a recognition that the self you are seeking is already within you, just obscured or dormant.
“...to be myself again.”: The key here is the idea of reclamation. It suggests that at some point, you may feel you’ve drifted away from your core identity. There are a few reasons why you may feel this way.
External Demands: The pressures of the world, expectations from others, or the demands of daily life might pull you away from your inner compass.
Creative Blocks: Sometimes as creatives we experience periods where our creative voice feels stifled, and they we need time to reconnect with our authentic inspiration.
Personal Struggles: Emotional or personal challenges can sometimes lead to a feeling of being disconnected from oneself.
Simply the Natural Rhythms of Life: Even without specific external pressures, we can sometimes feel the need for a period of introspection and recalibration to realign with our true essences.
Underlying, powerful message of O’Keefe’s quote
Authenticity is a process: Being truly oneself isn’t a static state but an ongoing journey of self-discovery and reconnection.
Patience and allowing: Sometimes the best way to find yourself is not through forceful action but through quiet waiting and allowing your true nature to emerge.
Self is innate: The core of who we are is often already within us; the challenge is to remove the layers that obscure it.
Importance of rest and introspection: Periods of apparent inactivity can be crucial for inner work and returning to a place of authenticity.
Here, summer could represent a literal season or a metaphorical period in your life where you need to step back from external demands to rediscover your inner creative voice and personal truth.
Ultimately, the quote speaks to the universal human experience of sometimes feeling disconnected from our authentic selves and the need for periods of quiet introspection to allow that true self to re-emerge. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound work we can do is simply to wait patiently for ourselves to be ourselves again.
Sources: soundsofsaving.org, greatlakespschology.com
