Why can't we just be ourselves?

du·plic·i·ty ( P ) Pronunciation Key (d-pls-t, dy-) n. pl. du·plic·i·ties The quality or state of being twofold or double. Acting one way while being, in actuality, another. Having two distinct - and opposite - personalities.

I believe it was William Shakespeare who coined, "To thine own self be true."

Wllly's a pretty bright guy and I have oft relied on his wit and wisdom.

He would have loved the saga of Harry Potter, I'm sure.

But that's neither here nor there ... I have to refute Willy's aforementioned statement.

Cause, see, here's the thing: Which self?

I have recently had a major shakeup in my life. For those who don't know, I'm now job hunting ... but more on that later.

As a reporter, a job that I've had for the past three years, I must admit that the job takes on a life of its own and it becomes more of a lifestyle than a job, per se.

I'm sure that other people in other professions would concur - your title becomes a part of you. Simon and Simon, for example, wouldn't have been the same people were they not private investigators.

And I'm not the same person now that I'm not, "Scott Leffler, Lockport Journal."

But with all the free time that I've had, I've reviewed my life as a whole ... and concluded that I was only "Scott Leffler, Lockport Journal" sometimes ... and to some people.

For others, I was "Scott Leffler, crazy liberal guy." Then of course, at home I was "Scott Leffler, husband extraordinaire," and "Scott Leffler, daddy." Still for others, I'm sure I was even more people.

I feel like Sybil.

Oh, don't go judging me on this one. We all do it. And of course, most of us do it on purpose to an extent.

Some people conclude that you're "that happy guy," and so you feel like every time those people are around, you need to be happy.

Some people remember that you were really crazy at the Bernstein Christmas party, so you feel like you have to be crazy when they're around.

And some people think of you in another manner ... or know something that the first two groups of people don't - so you're another person altogether.

And after a while, you forget which one of them is really you.

So you wonder which own self you're trying to be true to.

There comes a few times in one's life when they can step back and redefine life. And redefine themselves.

Like when you move ... or change schools ... or jobs.

I'm fortunate enough to have been given that opportunity.

Remind me of that once in a while if I start to get out of line.

Cause I assure you, it can be a frustrating opportunity.

Thought process continued next week ... Column 47