WHO YOU ARE AND WHO ARE YOU NOT

It started as a weekend walk, a leisurely stroll along the lakefront, smiling at strangers as we meandered through our little corner of the world. Well, some meandered, while others showed their true skills, running like a powerhouse! Me? I was a meanderer.

This weekend walk turned into a week and as a self-proclaimed Enneagram 7 and Manifesting Generator, I was surprised I'd done one thing for 7 days straight. Variety drives me and same-ness can bring me to tears of boredom. Options are the life-raft saving me from drowning in a river of depression and frustration, and gee it helped when I found the explanations for this through the Enneagram and Human Design. Reading these writings and listening to their teachings bought comfort and clarity, a sighing of 'oh, there's nothing wrong with me - me and others are wired this way too. Phew!'

Among this research, and like all personal development designed to up-level us, there comes moments of YAY, followed by moments of 'oh'. Shadow lessons where we come face to face with the parts of us we mightn't like seeing, that we've pushed down, or numb ourselves from daily.

We need these parts though. They're the secret to breaking through old ways of doing what we've always done, even what our parents have done before us, or what 'society' is implying is right. So with compassion for self, we dig into the whole of us as we search for meaning, insight and growth. An important part of growth is gentle curiosity, a challenging of what's on offer for this life of ours. This means reaching out for lessons and support, but taking them with a grain of salt too. You get to decide what resonates with you.

I'll give you an example. I've spent my life with the narrative of 'not being able finish things', being 'scattered', and 'undisciplined'. If you read into my chart and other personal development tools, you'll find these characteristics may be mentioned. As an adult (and like you, a meta-cognitive one!) it's my choice how much I want to buy into those stories. This brings me back to my week of walking. 

Who am I and who am I not? Can I commit to walking every day? Can I trust myself to follow-through? 

I offer you these questions to ponder today. Who are you and who are you not? Set a timer and let your heart and mind write freely, listing every thought that comes to mind. 

WHO ARE YOU?

A mother, a runner, a scatter-brain, a trusted friend, a lazy person, an inspiration, lost, hopeless, optimistic, anxious, an over-eater, a clean-freak, broke, the martyr, a beach-babe. The list could be endless!

WHAT ABOUT WHO YOU'RE NOT? Again, take your pen and your curiosity and explore who you're not.

Next, comes the intentional and privileged opportunity to CHOOSE what stays on your lists and what goes. To help, use our EMPOWERED framework by focussing on step one, Dream It. This step is all about your values, what matters to you now and in the future. Think of your eulogy or the legacy you hope to leave. From that place, that woman's essence, decide: WHO AM I AND WHO AM I NOT?

This simple, effective strategy was the tool that took me from a weekend walk to walking everyday for 100 days ... and counting. Something I never thought I'd do. 

Don't box yourself in anymore. This is your one life! You reading this tells me - and yourself - you're ready for more. And imagine if you did this activity in terms of your child, colleague or spouse. Who are you seeing they are and who are you seeing they're not? Do your answers allow you to see them in their greatness, for I know that's how you want to see those you love. You want to raise them up, rather than focus on their 'lack', how they could be 'meaning' to hurt you, or how they are destined to suffer through life.

This task is a game-changer for growth and for relationships. I look forward to hearing your take-aways.

Stay wonderful and enjoy,

Catherine

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