On Being Who I'm Not

“Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.” - Paul Coehlo

In my theme for the year “healing through knowing ourselves,” I started taking a hard look at who I think I am, and who I project myself to be. But another interesting plot twist came through: I’m figuring out what I’m not, or at least what I’m not anymore.

I used to be:

• A musician
• A paralegal
• A shopper
• A “Type A"

I’ve never been:

• A mathematician
• An athlete
• An artist

I might not be:

• A worrier (anymore)
• A pleaser
• A comparer

​Keep in mind that I don’t consider any of the above categories and descriptions positive or negative, they just are. Or in my case, are not. I’m not judging them, but instead just reflecting that they don’t describe me. Even those things that I used to be good at and enjoy don't necessarily need to have a spot at the table now.

So where does this leave me? I’m still an organizer (small “o” organizer - it applies to so many things), a teacher, a connector, an analyzer. I’m pretty sure I’m someone who is good at breaking something big into lots of smaller approachable parts, and someone who can listen to others and help them connect their dots. I’m a writer, a reader, a learner. Hopefully, if I can let go some more of those things I’m not, I can be a great coach, a wiser friend, and (fingers crossed) more of a world traveler.

What did you use to be?  What isn’t you anymore?  Who are you becoming? 

Copyright: lightwise / 123RF Stock Photo