The Washington times., 1929-02-26
Courage Test OF
Individuality,
Says Author !
By Beatrice Fairfax

CNELFEXPRESsIoN is a catch
~ word among modern girls and
young men. And very sem
sible. straightforward slogan 1t IS
leading girls to find work they
love, and to do it we'll because
they love it; leading youth to
think clearly and live up to It's
convictions. self-expression gives
color and interest to romance and
marriage.
Yet, despite this urge to self
expression, it is amazing how IKE
u flock of sheep many young folks
are!
"Everyone Is doing it," as a
motive is just the opposite OF self
expression, barring all indivldu-
atty. Yet, there are girls VINO tell
off-color stories. pose as hard ana
blase, neck, imbibe outlaw hootcn'
not because they want to-they
loathe themselves for their own
vulgarity-but because everyone
Is doing it!'
Anyone can be spineless and
tough. 1t takes ability and self.
expression to make the most OF
yourself. Only a girl exercising
self-expression has courage 10
calmly, casually refuse a drink. or
return home early. To have the
courage to do what you really
want to do with all your finest,
best self is self-expression. And
the finer things you want to do'
the farther advanced you are in
the art of self-expression.
A certain young man who was
at the top of his profession five
years ago is drinking himself to
death today. He really believes he
is justified, that the wretched life
he leads is the natural expression
of a broken heart When he Is
just little under the influence of
drink, this young man loves to tell
his long, sad story to any sympa.
thetic listener-how his wife ran
away with his pal and to protect
his pals children he would not
mention the pal in a divorce suit,
and took to drink to forget his
trouble.
Recently, an older man, chance
companion of railway journey,
gave him kindly counsel. After
praising his protection of the chill.
dren, the older, distinguished man
went on:
Believe me, Sonny, stop drink.
ing and you will be able to be
yourself again! Brace up and
smile! Show your former en-
ployers and your friends the kind
of stuff you are made of. Then
everything will go better"
Tears came into the eyes OF the
heart. broken man.
You're a regular. guy" he said.
"I'll take your advice" And l be-
lieve he will.
''Show the stuff you are made
Of ''be your real self" such
phrases Of homely speech show
how instinctively we know that
the real self is the fine, worth
while, constructive, self.
When Eleanor Smith, at II, in
her biplanes stayed up in the air
recently one hour and six min
utes longer than any other
woman had previously, then made
a perfect landing at Mitchell Field.
her skill, good judgment and
sportsmanship made her feat
victory of self-expression. Her de-
voted comradeship with her father,
who is a skilled air pilot, and who
flew beside her in his own plane
during her long vigil, is an evi-
dence of still finer self-expression.
The understanding friendship of
your father will go. far toward
helping you to the finest kind of
self-expression in adventure, ro-
nance, friendship and marriage.
Love of outdoors and vigorous
outdoor exercise are the express
sion of an important part of the
real you, which you may some
times neglect to express.
Self-restraint is an essential
part of complete self-expression.
Courage to say no and mean 1t is
as important as the positive
phase, the thoughtful gift. the
tender word, the considerate ac-
tlon that hold home together and
Keep love fresh and new.
Self-eXpression is not really
new, only the term is newly pop
ular.