I had a weird thought this week . . . with all the talk about “finding your true self” and all the books and methods that teach you how to do that, what if finding your true self is as simple as setting aside a few days to be totally alone and see who you are when no one is watching, judging, expecting, requesting, or needing anything from you.
Many of us think we know who we are at our core. At times, I feel confident I do. But as soon as someone else enters the picture, we sometimes set aside our true selves to be what they want/need. Mostly, it’s done out of love, but sometimes it’s done out of guilt, shame, embarrassment, or obligation.
A while back, my wonderful husband was gone for a few days and I had the opportunity to just be myself. I slept in later than usual because there was no one there to tease me or to wonder if I was okay or to be waiting breakfast for me. I turned up my “Irish Yoga” playlist while I did my yoga and, in this private space, was able to really sink in to both the music and the practice. I arranged to get together with some friends, one at a time, while we did things I enjoy, like eating out at a really good restaurant and attending a live performance. I watched a movie that night my husband wouldn’t have liked and I loved it. All the while, I was keenly aware of how those actions made me feel, what they made me think…
