Manifest Destiny

There are three interpretations of the phrase Manifest Destiny.

1. The historical context: about expansion across the US continent ‘from sea to shining sea’
2. The international interpretation: other places must be remade in America’s image
3. My own view of the idea: that anyone can create their own future by the decisions they make. Destiny is manifested by what we choose to do. It’s another word to describe the future, where anything is possible, and our choices can take us wherever that may be.

Things that have changed since I became an American citizen

‘Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.’ – George Bernard Shaw

• I’ve become competitive at sports
• I like winning, not losing
• I’ve become determined to get things done
• I do what I want, and I get what I earn, on my own terms
• I want to do things no one else is doing
• I like challenges of epic proportion
• I want a big truck, and a sports car
• I won’t have made it until I’m the Vice President of a company, or in the White House
• I’ve realised how small-scale Australia is (just watch the local news to see this one)
• I’ve come to appreciate aspects of American culture, history and politics
• I like hip hop, and the ‘started from the bottom now we’re here’ narrative
• I respect and appreciate firearm discipline
• I stopped using private health insurance