”Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw
I spent a lot of time trying to find myself. I can vividly remember the thoughts that I was missing the piece I needed to feel whole and content. I thought I might find it in a self-help book or personality quiz. I tried to find it by hanging out with people who seemed to have found the missing piece and prayed and searched and struggled and agonized and wondered if I would ever feel content with who I was…
I now have a favorite saying for others who are trying to find themselves….I will often say, “of this I am sure. Everything you need to live a full life is within you! ”
When I switched from trying to find myself to creating myself, the journey to my heart began.
When I realized that I wasn’t missing anything, but had to journey within myself to discover or create the life for which I longed, my focus changed.
When I was courageous enough to stop searching and start living, I found that life was an invitation to me each day to create the imprint I desired to leave for the day! I know that when I was trying to find myself, I was often very self focused. I lived more alone than in community. When I began to live in community, and allowed others to love me and offer love, forgiveness, grace and compassion to others, I worried less about the missing pieces within me and had more meaning in creating each day….
And so tonight, this quote reminded me of my journey. I am glad that I am no longer searching. Creating and discovering is a delightful journey. Yes, it still holds pain and disappointment, sorrow and grief and pain and rejection but it is nice to know that everything I need to be the person I long to be, is right within my heart.
So, how about you? How are you doing at creating the life you long for?
I hear you Trish….