How do you define yourself? What is left when you scrape away all the words the world uses or you have used to describe who you are? Who are you beyond your job, your title or label? Close your eyes, take a deep breath and think. Start by tuning into your passions or art. Yes, you are an artist. There is something about you that makes the world a more beautiful place in some way. Isn’t that what artists do? Think about that “thing” that when you do it, you lose all track of time. Ponder those moments when you allow the creative current inside you to take over your mind and actions while you do that “thing” that just feels right. Creating your art doesn’t mean it won’t be hard sometimes. That’s why we have backspace keys, erasers and do-overs. But despite being hard, you push on because you must. It’s really all about honing in on the feeling of “I am exercising one of the truest parts of me while doing this thing!” and noticing what that is. So, start by defining yourself by your gifts or your passions and be creative when defining what they are. Every part of you matters which includes your “thing”. Decide that you are way more than any title or label the world may assign you because of the art you bring to this world. Truly, there are not enough words to describe all you are and all you are capable of achieving. Begin with the “thing” that puts you into your creative current and let go. It’s a good place to start so, just begin.

Develop the story of who you are by the struggles you’ve faced. The mountains you’ve climbed and how you did it, are the stories that are most intriguing. The hard stuff you’ve overcome has built the house of you and who you are is why the house is still standing. You may have a world class title, but it doesn’t mean a thing if you don’t believe you’re capable of rebuilding or doing home repairs from time to time. You learn to believe in yourself when you climb out of the dark holes in your basement and move your body towards the upper floors where there’s more light. Remember and tell the story of how you scaled the walls of that hole and fell to the bottom a few times but still got back up to climb out. Because, when you remember that you can be gritty and persevere, you reinforce who you really are. You are a child of God that will fight to be here and live out your purpose because that is what you are meant to do. Your grit, your perseverance, your tears, your sweat and the way YOU find your own answers and figure things out detail who you are. The stuff inside you that pulls you towards the light is some of the most beautiful parts of you. Your story is much more amazing, suspenseful, intriguing and helpful to others than any title the world may assign you.

Define yourself by the things that matter. You have the ability to be kind, loving, understanding and compassionate. These parts of you may not hang out in a big way by your side all the time. But these things that matter are part of who you are whether you reveal them or not. Would you like to define yourself by the virtues that support more love? Start by figuring out what keeps you from exercising what is inside all of us and what keeps you from practicing these virtues more often. The keyword here is “practice”. If being understanding, compromising and expressing love is not a regular practice, then it may feel uncomfortable because you don’t do it enough. Being love is easy in some situations, but sometimes it is an act of courage. Loving and not getting it back takes some getting used to. Practice doing it anyway. It may look like diving in, backing off, letting go or baking a cake. Just be who you are by practicing what’s important, what matters. And whether you notice it or not, the parts of you that you send out into the world will find their way back to you. So, don’t be afraid of your love, practice it. Get comfortable showing the world the best part of you and keep your eyes and arms open so you can catch all the light that makes its way back to you.

Reinforce who you are by your actions and intentions. Look inside regularly to understand and get to know you. Do your thoughts and actions reinforce your value? As you grow and learn, the chapters of your life and who you are will grow too. Are you practicing enough self-love to reveal your shiny one-of-a-kind uniqueness? Buffing your cup of light to remove the world’s tarnish is essential for all of us to see how brightly you shine. Practicing self-love keeps you close to who you are and gives you the courage and energy to share that light with others. Are you kinder because you workout, meditate or spend time outdoors? Are you more understanding because you create, connect, take care of your body and take the time to belly laugh? Self-love fuels your spirit and drives your ability to live out the amazing parts of you. You are a human being doing the best you can, working with what you’ve got, to be all you were meant to be. Sometimes you crash and burn. But, who you are is the spirit of energy that helps you rise from the ashes. That’s the real, amazing you. Tell your story with honor, love and courage. Defining who you are may take a lifetime when the world only has a few minutes. That’s okay. Just try to share the true you with this world and learn and grow from the rest. It will make for a much more interesting conversation with all those lucky enough to know beautiful you.

Questions/activities to ponder or good journal prompts!

1. What is that “thing” that you do where you lose all track of time doing it? What drives you to do that “thing” and how does it feel?
2. Did you ever think of defining yourself by your struggles? Why or why not?
3. Why is it hard to show love, understanding or compassion sometimes? Is your hesitation based in fear? If so, what are you afraid of?
4. When you put out the spirit of love that is you, in what ways do you notice it making its way back to you?
5. How does your practice of self-love help tune you in to who you are?