Identity = Individual traits, preferences, thought patterns, strengths, weaknesses; knowing how you differ from others and how you are similar. Who are you? Seems simple enough yet I have been searching for mine for what seems like forever. We are created by our Father and delivered to our parents so I guess I started off as a daughter, became a sister, a friend, a student, employee, a business partner, wife, lover, trainer, coach, bodybuilder, biker, unofficial therapist, leader, follower, owner, servant. I am sure that others could add to my list and at the ripe age of 36 I often still feel like I am looking to fill some shoes that are too big for my feet.
Has society put so much pressure on us to make something of ourselves to stand out that we are never satisfied with our identity? Are we striving for the next big thing or the 'grass is greener' idea. Each of us have unique and incredible talents that many, including myself, are too "loud" to hear or identify them. We must be DRIVEN, have PURPOSE, create WEALTH, be SUCCESSFUL. Who decides what that looks like? You? Me? Media? Government? The great saying 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Shouldn't that also apply to your identity?
With every season change I think of cleaning. Not just in the literal sense but metaphorically speaking. This Fall let us take the time to love ourselves for who we are at this moment. Clean our minds of other's influenced ideas. Be still in our thoughts if even for a moment. Clean our influences of the negative ones. You know who I am talking about. Be yourself! No matter what that looks like!
