Who Are You?
A simple not so simple question to ponder about.
Written by Julia Jayne | July 2023
"Who are you?" No, seriously, who are you?
It's always fascinating to me when I ask people this deceptively simple question, and they pause and ponder before responding. You'd think that since we coexist with ourselves day in and day out, our identity should roll off our tongues effortlessly. But for most folks, it's just not that straightforward.
I've heard responses like, "I'm a successful doctor," "I'm a stay-at-home mom," "I'm an entrepreneur," "I'm a scientist," "I'm a star athlete," “I am a loser,” and the list goes on.
But here's the kicker: those are labels of accomplishment, not genuine identities. Often, we unconsciously hide behind these accolades to mask our shortcomings, struggles, and insecurities. We use them to compare ourselves to others, which usually results in feeling pretty crummy about ourselves.
So, why is this seemingly simple question so darn important? Well, let me tell you, life happens. Titles and achievements can be stripped away in the blink of an eye. Have you ever felt like you had the rug pulled out from underneath you? How did you react? Did you become one with your blanket, fall into a pit of despair, or did your inner warrior emerge, ready to face the challenge head-on?
Homes, cars, jobs, money, and even loved ones can all be lost. But what remains as our constant companion is our soul, our spirit, our essence.
If you've ever felt stuck, depressed, sad, overwhelmed, stressed, battled addiction, or wrestled with weight issues, I'm here to tell you that getting to the core of your being is the answer. Understanding who you truly are will serve as your guiding North Star through every twist and turn of your life's journey.
I invite you to take a moment right now. Grab a pen and paper (not your phone or computer—there's real magic in handwriting your words). Let's peel back the layers of glittering achievements, toss aside the titles and labels, and dive deep into the essence of your being. It's time to create a tagline that describes YOU.
If you'd like, close your eyes for a moment. Reflect upon the very fabric of your unique existence. Strip away the external labels and venture into the unfiltered truth of your soul. Who are you at your most authentic, unadulterated self?
What did you come up with? Seeing your words on paper, do you like being that person? Because here's the deal: if you don't, you have the power to change it. You create YOU.
In my case, I did this exercise, and here's what I came up with: "I am a happy soul driven by curiosity and wonder." That's who I am, I live by it, I am in love with that person and thus far it has served me well.
Let's break it down a bit further.
"I am a happy soul." Happiness is at the core of my being. It's not just about fleeting moments of joy or things but an overall state of contentment and well-being. It reminds me to focus on what truly brings me joy and fulfillment.
"Driven by curiosity and wonder." Curiosity is like my trusty sidekick, always eager to explore, learn, and grow. Wonder makes your eyes sparkle like the glistening sea; it is the lens through which I view the world, infusing magic into everyday moments.
These words have become my compass, guiding me through the ups and downs of life. They've helped me stay true to myself, even when the world tries to push me in different directions.
Remember, you have the power to define who you are. You are not just your achievements or titles. You are a beautiful, unique soul, capable of creating your own path and shaping your own destiny.
Having trouble figuring it out on your own? Don't hesitate to reach out. I'll be more than happy to be your confidant, guide and supporter. Email me to book a session, and let's embark on this wild journey called life together.
