“Who are you?” is a really powerful question. With so many of us are looking for personal growth you would think it would be an easy one to answer. What is the first thing you think of when you are asked this question????
For me, I would usually answer: what I did – mom or social worker or now retired. Occasionally I would say self-employed. I have friends who would answer with one of these:
- what we are working, wishing and hoping for (nope this one wasn’t for me)
- who means the most to us and
- where we’ve been and how we got to where we are
But, who are you? Think about it for a moment. Can you answer the question without rattling off your rank, title or accomplishments? I know I can’t or at least I couldn’t before walking back into the doors of NA 16 months ago. I was always a label, never knowing who I was. A pretty scary thought. I may not have an answer but I am working on one…
I’m a wife, a mom, retired social worker, MS warrior, grant writer, Jesus lover, entrepreneur, reader, blogger, daughter, sister, friend, encourager, crafter, recovering addict, jean wearing, often a hot mess who is making progress to being a better version of me! If I really thought about it, I’m sure the list could go on and on…. just like yours, right?
My list reflects my story, labels given to me by others, some I cherish while others I struggle with. I remember (vaguely) a time when I had it all right – years ago my first time around in recovery. I was confident in who I was and where I was going. I didn’t let what others think control who I was or what I was doing. I realize when I had my identity right, everything else fell into place.
Is who you are defined by labels or are you defined by the core values you cherish? Are you a reflection of who you were created to be or are you still struggling with finding yourself? I will admit, I was eager to work my fourth step because it I wanted to get to gut-honest. I wanted to take a “searching and fearless moral inventory of myself”….. be careful what you wish for. LOL. I may be struggling through the process but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know once I can identify who I am beyond the titles, labels and my history – I will be a better strong version of myself able to make decisions – even the touch ones.
I love these words from Deana:
You will find yourself very clear on the direction you want to go, even if you’re not sure of what it will take to get there, because you know WHO you need to be in order to get there.
Stop trying to fit in. If nothing else today, take some time to ponder this BIG question “Who are you?”.
I know by continuing on this journey, I will become the person God meant for me to be. Believe me, I am right there with you Working on making progress toward what I need to do in order to live out who I was created to BE !
Hope Wissel 