
I recently attended a virtual class about creating habits that stick. The instructor (and incidentally one of my favorite humans on the planet), Monica Packer, asked a question that really stood out to me.
She said,
Sometimes we walk around with this list of things that we do, or that we’re good at – look! see! this is who I am! – But, if all of that were stripped away, who would you be? Who am I without the proof?“
I’ve been thinking about her question ever since.
“Do”s and “Have”s
Before, my personal description of my identity might have looked like this:
- I am a runner.
- I am a podcaster!
- I am a #toddlermom and the luckiest wife.
- I am a follower of Christ.
- I am a writer.
I can’t run at the moment, which has been somewhat of a mini-crisis – does that mean I’m not a runner?
We’ve talked about my fear of losing the people that I love. If they were gone, who would I be? What would my meaning look like?
I am a follower of Christ. But, there’s so much division right now. I’ve had to stop taking the term “Christian” for granted, and really go back to the basics, and ask myself what does that mean?
Yes, I’m a podcaster and a writer – with exactly zero professional qualifications. Sometimes, I have no idea what I’m doing, if I’m doing it “right”, or if it’s worth it.
But, if what I “do” or “have” doesn’t make up my identity, then what does?
Is it possible to re-frame my “I Am” statements into something that stands up to failed plans, injuries, loneliness, imposter syndrome? What would that look like?
Qualities & Attributes
It’s still a work in progress, but, here goes:
- I am not afraid to do hard things.
- I am vulnerable. I am willing to try.
- I am loving. I am resilient. I am hopeful.
- I am prayerful. I am discerning. I am not critical. I am fallen. I am redeemed. I am of infinite, inherent worth.
- I am authentic.
So, identity crisis – take that!
When who we are isn’t attached to what we do or have, we can apply those attributes to our actions no matter our circumstances.
We can drop the “all-or-nothing” idea that perfection is required before we can claim a strength or talent as part of what brings us to life.
We can get more specific and live in more alignment.
What do you think? Does that make sense? Or feel completely radical?
What would your list look like?
Here’s to finding our roots!
β€ Jenny
So well written and I have never thought of things in this way, but it truly makes me sense to think of our attributes in this way…β€
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It was an interesting perspective shift. Love you, Mom β€οΈ.
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I am a child of God. When all is stripped away, I will always be his kid. Didnβt really know I was going to say that, but it sounds so right. No one or thing can ever take that from me. π
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Amen π. I love that – straight from the heart. Thank you for sharing.
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Apt!. Who we are isn’t in the titles. Circumstances may change but who I am won’t and knowing that identity is key. And so I would say that I am God’s child, and creative, amongst other things.
Our originality lies in who we are not the titles. π―
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Absolutely. Thank you for sharing your wisdom! And your list is so inspiring π. Being a child of God is a miraculous blessing.
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You are welcome, sis. π€
Smiles. Yes it is. ππ
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Wow!! thought provoking. Thank you sis
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Of course, thank you for reading, friend!
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Very insightful and self-aware. Instead of defining ourselves by what we do, we should be a sum of the parts of our character. Maybe thatβs not what you were going for, but it’s what I gleaned from it. π
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Yes! Exactly! But, I’m so glad you can take what resonates with you, whether or not it was what I was going for. Thanks for stopping by, friend π
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And thank you for returning the favor!
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Thought-provoking! “I am a child of God” sums it up for me. If I can just remember this every moment of my life, I will be alright. Sometimes, I forget. God help us! π
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