NOTES FROM THE AWARENESS: 1352

Break free from yourself.

We all tend to define ourselves. The way we see ourselves depends on our own narrative as well as the judgments and expectations of others.

We amalgamate all this imagery into a digest of who we believe ourselves to be. The good daughter, the reliable employee, the one who is good at math, the slow learner, the poor listener, the self-centered one—we stir all these impressions of ourselves into a collage that defines how we think and act.

We might, from time to time, consider a new way of thinking or behaving. And then we likely shut that option down. “Oh, I’d never do that.”

Sometimes, that decision might be a good thing if what we’re considering goes against our personal morals. But sometimes, we limit ourselves from learning and growing or from experiencing new things simply because we don’t believe it fits our self-image.

The most severe limitations placed on us will usually be the ones we generate ourselves. When we free ourselves to be willing to think and act differently—provided our actions are basically benevolent—we open ourselves to new possibilities and options.

Today’s message invites me to expand my definition of who I am and am not. I’m free to redefine myself as often as I wish.

Please reflect and share. In what way does your self-image limit you?