As children we knew who we were. We knew what we loved, what lit us up. What we were passionate about and who we wanted to be.
Then, all the outside noise, authoritarian voices, and expectations of the people we loved most began clouding our vision.
Eventually we end up in a thick smog unable to articulate our dreams, or even who we are.
As the years go on we think we are learning the ways of the world but we are really learning the ways of society. We are learning who we ‘should’ be to make our parents happy, friends like us and society comfortable.
The same pattern was experienced by our parents and our parents parents. Thus the ‘tribal cycle’ continues.
In our very successful strategy to belong and be loved we become a product of our culture and environment. Detached from our truth.
When we look back and explore the subtle, and no-so subtle, themes of our childhood we get to unravel the gifts of our unique self. The natural parts of us that have been suppressed, hidden and pushed aside as we learnt to ‘fit in’ and make others happy.
Why did we want to be a firefighter, a teacher, a marine biologist? (or in my case a Formula 1 driver and a buddhist Monk?)
In the underlying THEMES, not the actual role, lie the clues.
As we come to learn again who we really are, we allow ourselves the gift of truly living. Of experiencing a life of adventure, fun, and authentic relationships.
Who are you?
I’m curious… could you answer without relying on your name, age, occupation, and other social roles/titles?
Give it a try. Explore your truth.