DARE TO BE YOU?

Most people go through life allowing their biography to be dictated by circumstances, the “this is how it’s always been done” mode or “if it was meant to be it would have already happened” theory.

What a life I was living.  I had been married for twenty years to a husband who was providing “things” nicely, two great children, a dog and a beautiful house. I got up and made lunches every morning, provided breakfast, always had hot home cooked meals on the table as soon as my husband got home from work.  I did the dishes, laundry, vacuumed, dusted and provided all the emotional support for my family. I was extremely happy, or was I? I was living the most perfect lie.  Everyone around me thought I had it all together I could have won an Oscar. I even fooled myself. 

Recently, I found myself in such a state of mind that I couldn’t understand and the questions began pouring over me. Do we as humans dare to be who we really are? Do we really know what we truly feel? Do we know what really matters to each of us individually? Do we ever arouse our innate ability to think for ourselves or do we just accept things as they are while we propel through everyday life?

Two years ago I found myself stripped naked in front of my full-length mirror. I didn't recognize the reflection.  As I stood there the harsh reality hit, I hated the person I was seeing.  I loathed her from the inside out.   It was a reflection of what I was expected to be not who I really was. I found myself hours later, reduced to a heap of exposed flesh on the floor.  The brutal honesty had begun. I knew what society dictated.  I knew what the church mandated.  I knew what my parent’s persuasions were and I knew what clear-cut convictions my husband had. But, I had no idea what I believed.   It was time to learn who I was and become my own person! The self-doubting questions began immediately! Would I find the courage to go against these four walls? Could I separate their beliefs from mine? What was to lie ahead and could I get through?  What would be the end result?  Realizing that I was the only person that could answer these questions, I began my journey. I had no idea what lied ahead or how difficult it was going to be. But, this was non-negotiable and I had to find out.

I would seek, ponder and agonize constantly over simple everyday questions that with deep thought weren't so simple anymore.  My journey has not been easy but in the words of a friend that I will cherish forever,  "it's liberating". 

Do you know who you really are?   Do you know your true convictions and why you feel the way you do?    Every week, we will explore many questions that will challenge, enlighten and reveal, you. As we take a look at many different issues, I will unveil my pain along with my triumphs, my losses as well as my gains, in hope that some how it touches you. I urge you to begin your journey of understanding who you are and how wonderful it is to be you. Start to day and dare to live as the only person you can, YOU!