Do you ever ask yourself “Who am I?” A big question, but what is even more important is your answer.
I am a mother, a wife, a grandmother, a retired RN, and a dog owner. I am a bit of an old hippie at times. I am a complex being, more than what you see on the outside. I am a body, a mind, emotions, and feelings. At times I am strong, at other times I am weak. At times I think I am crazy, but at other times I think everyone else must be crazy. I often don’t fit into any group or clique; I am often on the sidelines. What about you?
Where and how can we discover our true self, or as the popular phrase goes our “authentic self”? Is this something we can do on our own or do we need to involve others? If we need to involve others, we need to find those we trust. I’m not about to reveal my deepest, darkest thoughts and feelings to just anyone.
I’m no longer considered young, yet I don’t feel old. Well, most of the time I don’t feel old, but some days I feel ancient. I wonder what causes those different feelings. I coach others to improve themselves in a variety of ways. One thing I tell others is to start by setting small, easily achievable goals. That way you will ensure your success, have something to celebrate, and boost your self-confidence as you set another goal. After all, we want to succeed. That brings me to another question: What is success? That varies from one person to another. Heck, it can even vary from one day to another in the same person. I consider myself successful when I wake up – I am alive. But some days that isn’t enough. I want more to feel successful. Is that what defines me?
What do other people see when they look at me? What do other people think of me? Are either of those things any of my business? I have read that what other people think of you is none of your business. Maybe I need to take that to heart. On the other hand, maybe it is important to know the impression you are leaving. Is it worthwhile to ask if what others are seeing and thinking is the truth of who we are?
As you might be noticing there are more questions here than anything else. I have always been that way – full of questions. I taught nursing for several years and always encouraged my students to ask questions. As a life and leadership coach, I encourage my clients to ask questions. Be curious, it is how we learn. In my pursuit of who I am, I do think about what I will leave behind, and what kind of a legacy will I leave. How will I be remembered? Will I be remembered?
Are you the same person at home as at work or at play? If not, why? Does it have to do with focus or interests? Have you established goals for yourself? What about values; have you given any thought to what matters most to you in this world, in this lifetime?
Are you content with who you are and what you have in life? Or does this ebb and flow? Some days you are totally content and other days you are floundering wanting more or something different. If someone were to ask, “What is your purpose in life”, would you be able to answer without hesitation? Have you even given any thought to your life’s purpose?
I am sure there are people who do not need to go on a journey of self-discovery, people who are happy and content with the way they are and the life they have. I think about my grandmother. She died when I was 14. She had given birth to 15 children. Her life could not have been easy. She arrived in Canada from France and married a Scottish man. They lived on the prairies in the early 1900s, through two world wars, the Great Depression, the “dirty thirties”, and even the Riel Rebellion. Yet I never thought to ask her any of these types of questions, they never occurred to me. I remember seeing my grandma sitting quietly listening to the radio, possibly crocheting, or just sitting. She seemed content. I can’t help but wonder if she was just relieved to not have all the family to care for and housework to do. Have we changed over the years expecting more of ourselves and others? Has the change been for the better?
I saw a question that made me curious:
If today were my last day, would I want to do what I am about to do? If not, why?
Jordan Tarver – https://www.jordantarver.com/self-discovery-questions
A worthwhile question – maybe – what do you think? What I am about to do is have some food because I am starting to feel nauseated from not eating. If this were my last day, yes, I would still eat. But beyond that – I am writing this blog – would I still write this blog? I think I would, though possibly if I knew this was my last day the blog might be different. I would add something more important to me though – I would add in time with my family. I can’t always choose when to spend time with them – they are all adults and have their own lives, but, if possible, I would spend time with them. If I couldn’t be with them, I would at least talk to them or send them messages of love. I do that anyway – sometimes I haven’t any news to share but I send a note just telling them that I love them, and they are important to me. When I think about what I have just written here, I think that might say a lot about who I am and what is important to me. With that in mind the question “If today were my last day, would I want to do what I am about to do?” is an important one. Maybe because it makes you think about what is important in your life.
I have done more self-development courses and programs than I can remember. Everyone has been of value in one way or another. The value of some has been in learning what not to do. Learning what not to do is as important as learning what to do.
We are surrounded by a beautiful world (yes, I am aware there are wars, hunger, droughts, but there is more than those things) full of beautiful people with beautiful thoughts and ideas, full of love and kindness and if we open our hearts and minds, we will see the beauty. Don’t be blind to negativity but be open to all that is positive and beautiful and seek it out. The more you recognize and embrace the love, beauty, and goodness in the world the more you will be rewarded with more of the same.
If you want to explore who you are give me a shout; I have a wealth of resources we can tap into to discover the best you.