Identity

The searching most people do for identity is
a lifelong process. Many of us become entrenched
in a set pattern of behaviors and comfortable
ideas early on, and find the labels used to define
us very secure.

But to be truly alive and responding to the flow
of life, we find ourselves in conflict with old ideas
and old relationships. We discover that there
are things about us that don't work, and if we
are honest enough...bold enough....willing
enough...then we may be able to dig deeper.

Identity is not set in stone. We may change our
political, religious, sexual, romantic, or financial
outlooks as we mature and experience life.
Perspective offers opportunity to reevaluate and
grow.

But identity is not simply based on actions, ideas,
and associations. They make up aspects of identity,
but the tapestry is vast. Much of what influences
"who we are" is based on 2 very crucial elements;

A) What we believe we are capable of (in terms of
ability, courage, inspiration)

and
B) What we feel we are "allowed" to do (by society,
family, religion, work, spouse, internal restrictions
of 'conscience' and prior 'morality' lessons.

When we get to a point that we can question the authority
that keeps our desires in check, maybe then can we truly
begin to experience a taste of what our true selves are.
Or can become.

When we stop operating on fear, and learn that we
can't please everyone else, and our own unique spirit
needs to be listened to....that's a beginning.

No one else can live the life we were given to live.
No one else can access it but us. Happy hunting.