“JUST BE YOURSELF”

Easy for someone else to say, but how can you be yourself if you don’t know what that is?

(So this indirectly helps when creating your web series because the old adage “write what you know” comes into play here.)

There are blogs all over the internet about this theme, and even the great Socrates preached “know thyself.” (and eventually was sentenced to death for teaching this among other things to the youth of ancient Greece.) 🙁

So know thyself or in other words, “Who am I?” This is a question I’ve been pondering lately.

And do I see myself they way others see me?

Out in the world (if you’re like me) you probably wear a lot of hats. Here’s some of mine (in no particular order of importance): Content Creator, Girlfriend, Friend, Mom, Sister, Producer, Singer, Actor, Writer, Workout Enthusiast, Voracious Reader, Tango Dancer…and there’s probably a few more, just can’t think of them now.

And others probably see me as one or more of those hats. And that’s all well and good out in the world, but that’s not really who I am. So then I wondered “how do I see me?”

Hmmm…

Well, I’d like to believe I’m an honest, trustworthy, soul who doesn’t want to hurt anyone. I’m creative, confident, driven, loving, nurturing, but hold on now definitely not a saint.

In fact the flip side of all the above is that I’m also controlling, bossy, self absorbed, selfish, (and rarely thank the Gods) mean and catty – Whew! I’m definitely a work in progress.

And after reflecting on this I found a book called, “THE HAPPINESS PROJECT,” by Gretchen Rubin, and in it she has her own twelve commandments for creating a happy life.
The first one is “Be Gretchen.”

So I began wondering how to “Be Devin.” A tall order especially when I’m wondering just who she is.

I’ve lived my life (consciously and unconsciously) for so many others – my parents, siblings, peers, my friends. Often taking the role of the “People Pleaser” so as to not get hurt or to hurt anyone else. But in being a people pleaser the real me kind of got lost along the way.

And a recent trip to church didn’t help either. It was synchronistic that the topic from the minister that day was, “Who Are You?” (there are no accidents, right?) But after listening to him for almost an hour I came away with Pray, Meditate, and Reflect on being Godlike cause that’s who you are.
And do it daily.

Well, what about those of us who don’t pray, meditate or reflect regularly? Are we just out on our bums on this one? Or are we gonna be forced to pray, meditate and reflect daily even though our hearts really aren’t in it. (I know what you’re thinking and yes I have done all this before) 🙂

Thank the Gods I have my web series. In “Dating In The Middle Ages,” I not only get to write about what I know, but I can reflect on who I am and work out (a few of) my issues through my characters. In fact probably the more messed up I am, the more conflicted and interesting the characters will be. Oye, what a thought!

But all this aside, I do know a few things about me…
I’m grateful for my life.
I love my freedom.
I love my kids.
I love my boyfriend.
I love my friends.
I enjoy taking care of myself,
And constantly learning new things,
And I enjoy finding out the truth about myself.
(see right now the “people pleaser’s” kicking in, wondering if I should add more things)

But no, that’s a good start.

I wonder…do you know who you are? How did you come to learn that about you?
I’d love your thoughts on this.