I've been thinking about 'who' I am. A bit of discovery and rediscovery at the same time.I know 'what' I am.
I am a woman.
A daughter. A sister. An aunt.These are things I am that I had no input in their happening.
I am also a wife. A Christian. A homemaker.These are things I chose to become.
I am a traveler. An explorer. A seeker of experiences.These are things that are part of my nature.
They are wonderful and miraculous; and they are the foundations of 'who' I am. They are also the foundations of many, many people. They do not speak my individuality.This month I want to go beyond. I want to explore what is special to Teri and about Teri. What my unique purpose is as an individual, as member of family, as a member of society, and as a member of God's Kingdom.
I like the quote: “Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished. If you're alive, it isn't.” – Richard Bach
It's funny. When you Google "self discovery" images, there is picture after picture of a person standing on a beach/cliff/meadow with their arms up in the air. Another theme is a person sitting - often in a yoga position - looking out at the waves.Seriously... if that is the depth of one’s understanding of self, they need a sharp reality kick. Life is not about "happy-happy, joy-joy let's dance in the breeze". A person like that is nothing more than an oxygen thief
Because it’s not all about you (or me)… and I want to find out what it is about.*
What if the Hokey-Pokey is really what it's all about?
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness, this is a thoughtful post. Who are we as individuals without the titles that others and ourselves give us? Wife, sister, mother, friend, etc... This is a lifetime journey, of discovery and change. I believe that as long as I am open, and learning and changing, I am alive. I am energy. I am someone's comfort. I am an idea. I am a work in progress.
What a fabulous post...! I think I have been picking up your vibes, because I have been wondering the same thing myself. We label ourselves according to other people -- sister, mother, friend, employee ... but who are we? What is our purpose?
ReplyDeleteYou have given me some food for thought.
Cheers!
Jo
I liked your quote. Life is a constant learning and sometimes changing role. My faith keeps me anchored, while the tides change.
ReplyDeleteWow nice camera Teri! I applaud you for wanting to delve deeper into this illusive subject. ~Lili
ReplyDeleteMy husband, the therapist, laughingly said that I shouldn't read "The Purpose Driven Life", because I am already so driven. I just might need to look at where I am going. Nice post. I will travel along with you to see where the journey takes you.
ReplyDeleteLife long journey, isn't it? I wonder if we can better capture the essence of the meaning of our lives when we focus on what we contribute - to others in our lives, to the earth, to other creatures, to history, to God, to the poor and hungry.... That seems like the real purpose driven life to me. I love what the Good Cook (above) said: "I am someone's comfort. I am an idea. I am a work in progress."
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts to chew on awhile. Who I am is so defined by the role I play in others lives. I was asked once to go do something for me. That day I realized that I'm really not sure what that looks like. Doing something for me. So I went and got a haircut! I know it is worth a giggle, but it has really given me something to think about!
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