19/07/2023
Years ago, when I was in therapy after leaving my EX husband, my therapist asked me a question I would never forget.
"Without using your job title, what you're good at, or accomplishments, WHO are you?"
I didn't have an answer for him because I didn't know.
I knew what I was, I knew things I did, but I didn't know WHO I was.
After months of appointments, I was getting ready to graduate therapy, and he asked me again.
"Without using your job title, what you're good at, or accomplishments, WHO are you?"
I am a mom, yes.
I am a survivor, yes.
I am a licensed massage therapist, yes.
He said, "Those are the things you do. But WHO are you?"
So I thought for a minute and then said,
"I am a woman of strength, passion, joy, and love. I deeply care for all living things, and I have walked through hell to save my children. I am a healer and a leader. I am a Divine Warrior sent to this earth to be an example."
I stopped, hoping my answer was enough.
"You're getting there, dig a little deeper," he responded.
Feeling a bit frustrated, I answered
"I am who I am!"
"Exactly," he said, "you are who you are. Without all of the labels, without explaining yourself, without feeling the need to be something. You are who you are. And isn't that a beautiful thing?"
At that time, it gave me the permission I needed to just be myself. To stop worrying about what others thought, always concerned about making the right impression, and wondering if they like me... or don't like me.
It took some time of slef reflection to fully understand what he meant, but since that conversation, I have stopped trying to BE something or DO something.
I have learned to experience my life! Not just live it.
Because I am a multifaceted and unique individual with a complex blend of qualities, experiences, and perspectives, I have learned that there is so much happiness in being ME.
It was a very powerful experience.