When I picked up my pen and notepad to write this week’s thought, I saw a quote that I had jotted down a week ago. It said you have to be willing to lose everything to be yourself. That reminded me of a television commercial I saw recently about a weight loss product. Their tag line was, “What will you gain when you lose?”
In my journey over the last several years to try to live more authentically, I often feared what I would lose, especially the approval of my family and friends. What I’ve learned is that I can’t please anyone else if I’m not pleased with myself. And most of what I am losing, I never wanted anyways. I’m losing my interest in judging and blaming others; my need to always have a plan; my need to be right. I’m losing my need for approval and, most importantly, I’m losing my fear. I’ve come to know that the “true self” I’ve been looking for was buried under all those things. Now I know that I am love, just as I was created. I have lost a lot in exchange for uncovering the truth about myself. Looking back, it seems like a good trade to me.
“God, please help me to believe the truth about myself, no matter how beautiful it is.” Anonymous
Let your spirit soar!
Paula
Spirit Rising Ministries 
Paula, I could really relate to your post. Actually, I can relate to most. I usually don’t comment right away because I think about it for a while, and then get on to others things. Example, what you said about journaling and wondering about “what I have to say.” I loved that. Finding my voice through journaling, helped me find it vocally. … But, I digress.
“Being willing to lose everything in order to find myself” is exactly the point I got to in my relationship with my husband. I had to accept that I would lose everything else in order for me to reclaim my identity. I’m stronger because of the experience, but it called for every speck of strength and faith I could muster.
What I’ve gained is so much more than what I’ve lost. I’m still with my husband, but, I will never lose myself again.
You’ve also reminded me of something I wrote in an article a few years ago. “Losses in my life cannot compare to losing me. When I define myself only by what I do, or what others think, I cease to exist.”
Best to you!
Christine
Wow! You both have me thinking! Thank you!
You’re welcome, Holly. 🙂