Can you imagine what it would feel like to unearth your deeper, creative Big self rather than the little self that you wear every day?
To some degree, you already are.
Even after years of conforming and trying to gain acceptance in a society that dictates who you should be, your unique style and character shows through in everything you do. The fact that you’ve learned how to gain confidence in who you are shines through.
How so?
- The look in your eye
- How your body moves
- Your voice
- The way you pick up a fork
- Go about your morning rituals
- Sit still
- Play a musical instrument
- Set a table
- Dance
…all come from a much deeper place than your surface personality or any technical abilities you may possess.
These are reflections of your unique coding. Patterns of your original nature. Encoded somewhere in you from millions of years of evolution.
Once you become aware of your original, unconscious self and let it unfold, you connect with the divine.
That’s when the deeper, creative Big self – beyond consciousness – emerges and expresses itself through spontaneity, play, spirituality, storytelling, art, and music – all the while dancing like a whirling dervish.
Now it’s your turn. Do you know you unique style and character? How does it comes through in your everyday life?
photo credit: Mara ~earth light~ via photo pin cc
Confidence in self is a great thing, Fran. When we are at peace with ourselves and convinced we do something well, it shows in our actions. And of course, for me, planning in advance increases my self-assurance simply by being prepared! Knowledge is always power. Self-acceptance adds to this power.
Love, VIdya
Vidya….I agree with you on all fronts and know that you are living what you write about. I would bet that if I had a camera on you or was with you for 24 hours, I could make a huge list of unique Vidya characteristics. Love Fran
Great question Fran – and sometimes I think I do and sometimes I wonder who the heck is this person, thinking this thought, doing this thing. There are times when it’s a nice surprise, but I will confess to times when it’s more like…what was that!
Nice reminder.
Love Elle
xoxo
Elle….I know that feeling. You know, we spend so much time focusing on how we need to change, improve, etc. that we forget about the essence of who we are….elements of our original creation. For example, since my daughter was infant, she pursed her nose when she was upset or angry. 30 years later she’s doing the same thing. This characteristic may sound superficial but it’s not. It is uniquely my Erika. xxoo-Fran
Fran,
I just need to remember to BE the Love that I AM! Don’t need to change a thing just unearth my beauty;) xo
Ms. exuberant, laughing Tess….
You certainly don’t need to change a thing. From the interactions I’ve had with you, I think you’ve unearthed a lot of the ‘Big’ self. And your hair is looking pretty damn good too when I see you on Skype! xxoo-Fran
As I look for a job/clients, I’m making a conscious effort to be more myself and come to meetings with the intention and attitude of “how can I serve” instead of the fear-based thinking of “I need a job.” The difference in results is amazingly positive!
In the professional world, expressing your true self is certainly an anomaly. My intention is to make it my trademark and use it to my benefit. I know I’m a lot more relaxed and happier when I intentionally bring my True Self into every interaction.
So even when our “art” is business, expressing our True Selves is so important! Thank you for acknowledging this Fran!
Big Hugs!!
Paige-Letting your authentic ‘magnificent Paige’ shine through in all that you do or in being is the ultimate gift you can give yourself in this lifetime. You benefit tremendously by living in your own skin and those around you do as well….even though they may not know it.
There were plenty of times in the broadcasting world….especially when I did a lot of TV, where professionals told me to act a certain way and I didn’t….I let the real me rip. Boy…did I ever have a blast. A lot of times I met with success. Other times I fell on my face. BUT I felt good being ‘me’.
Kudos for you to have the strength to be the ‘real you’. I know who you are…and if I were in a position to hire you, I would in 2 seconds. xxoo-Fran
When we let go of living our life, trying to please others, our true self begins to shine through. We become more conscious of who we really are. After I stopped teaching and had more time to explore, many interests began to emerge. I feel that I am more myself now than every before. Great post!!
Cathy….I couldn’t agree with you more. It takes courage to let go and open up to possibility. I have a dear friend who talks about retiring but when I ask her why she won’t do it…even after 30 years at the same job without having financial worries, her response is always the same: ‘I wouldn’t know what to do with myself.” She’s caught in fear and is unwilling to even take the next step to see what’s holding her back.
You, on the other hand, are flying free, You have overcome some major obstacles, sharing your knowledge and experience with others, have created a caring community, and clearing are living the life that you’re meant to be living at this phase in your life. Its shows in all that you do. With admiration-Fran
This is the kind of post that makes we want to go ask the people who are around me the most and who know me best how they would describe me. Or how they would answer these questions on my behalf. I’m not saying that other people’s opinions of us are more important than our own. I’m just saying that sometimes I’m surprised by how people see me. Sometimes they see something that maybe I have minimized or overlooked. I’ve learned to appreciate some things about myself from what other people appreciate about me. Great post!
Hi Galen….I just left a long comment on your post and when I put it through it cancelled itself out. I’ll return later when I can think through what I want to say again in order to comment thoughtfully.
I hear what you’re saying about wanting others to point out some of your characteristics. But it’ also fun to try to observe and feel who you intrinsically. For example, when you’re in a conversation with a friend, is there an automatic way that you respond…tone of voice, etc.
One of my dearest friends used to make fun of me…in a laughing way. He said that I started a lot of my sentences with ‘Hey, listen’ or ‘Hey guys’. Even something as minor as that tells me something about myself. When my family comes over for dinner, I get up A LOT from the table to serve, clear dishes, etc. There’s also some clues there. Think about how you laugh, how you talk…(I guffaw and talk softly), etc. All of these clues add up to a ‘Galen picture’.
BUT I do agree that it can be an eye opener when people who know you offer feedback. And it’s pretty darn funny and an eyeopener when they do. Why not try doing it? Fran
Love your post Fran! It’s a subject close to my heart. Because of the abuse I’d suffered as a child I spent so many years looking for my own sense of identity. Each day is a new discovery and recently I’ve managed to find my voice through writing.
Carolyn….I so appreciate how you use your difficult childhood and addiction as a tool for teaching others and healing yourself.
SO….without even meeting you, this is what I know about your coding: you are a wordsmith and storyteller, you have an open and sharing heart, you’ve taken some major risks…..NOW that’s only what I know from a distance. Imagine what I could discover if I met you. It is a privilege to have your presence and thoughts on the blogosphere. With admiration-Fran
Thanks fo this reminder, Fran. I feel that recently I have lost contact with my creative self. I’m working to get back to it. After a summer off, going back to work robs me of the morning when I feel I am at my most creative. You’ve inspired me to connect more deeply once again.
Thank you!
Betsy….It’s understandable with your hectic schedule how it would feel like you’ve lost your grasp on your creative self. Knowing you, I would guess that you’re just focusing it in other areas….like your students.
I have found that the best time for me is very early in the morning when I have solitude. I love sitting outside on my rooftop with the moon and stars still shining bright-meditate and pray-before my activity and work starts. It gives me a grounding and a sense of calmness that I don’t have otherwise as I go through my day.
You know Betsy-just reading your post on your dinner with the folks from Thailand, the focus of your trip to Thailand (which I love) and the way you are planninng it is creativity in action. So…you are being creative!! 🙂 Fran