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all the brokenness, shame, guilt, joy, sorrow, laughter, love, healing
willingness to change, resistance to that change, pride, humiliation
all the humanness, and all the Beauty and Truth that lays at the Center of me. for deep down in every man woman and child is the fundamental idea of GOD.
Genes, ancestry, family of origin, place, generation, chosen family and friends, soul journey companions including this space, unhealed hurts and trauma, innate wisdom and a well of joie de vivre.
After more reflection, I would like to share that personally, inside I am still much too much longing for the recognition of my father. The little girl inside who just wants to be loved by a father who taught me to do in order to be worth his appreciation, most probably like in so many other families of this time. It lead me to be able to lead the life I may, and for this I am deeply grateful. Still, the other side of the coin just rises to my awareness and this relates to the love missing in my life. Incredible. It took that long. It needed this question and your all contributions to come to this simple awareness. I will see where it leads to. Opening up to that now. Thank you deeply for this question, dear Gratefulness-team.
I was born with a twin brother and so I include that special bond as part of who I am that makes up who I am. I never like to be alone as I had a companion, friend , brother whose heartbeat was in sink with mine. As back in the day before scans the doctor never knew my mother was having twins. The doctor only heard one heartbeat. My dad a doctor and the birthing doctor were totally blown away that their were two babies presenting themselves the day we were born.
I think that above all,
I am a being . . .
it’s very confusing to add in my experiences,
my likes and dislikes,
my attractions and distractions . . .
it seems that they are beads and feathers I’ve gathered along the way.
I don’t know if they will remain completely intact when I die,
but in some way they have affected my path and my essence,
for a lack of a better word . . .
but in the end
I am pure Life,
and I’m not sure what that looks like.
Right now,
I cling to what I love . . .
the flowers and trees and rocks,
and people and animals and birds . . .
the crystals hanging in my windows,
the stones that line my garden,
my joys, my sorrows,
my learnings,
my love of music and art
and the sensuality of my body . . .
tastes, smells,
the dappled sunshine through leaves in summer,
the bees buzzing on my echinacaea,
the rain falling on my face
the ocean kissing my toes . . .
all of these I don’t want to lose,
and so I am at a loss for explanation.
I know that my ego
would like to say that I am the person people see in the world,
but I am not my ego,
so what is left . . .
Being?
Something to think about . . .
Foremost of all, my family, along with the friends, faith and experiences I have met along my way. The values that I learnt when young, which have enabled me to make the most of these things and give as much back as I receive.
My heredity 😐 and my environment 🙃, inextricably intertwined, despite what research you might read about ‘A’% heredity 😐 and ‘(100-A)’% 🙃 environment. There’s no real way to separate the 2 😐🙃, and neither is happening without the influence of the other! 😜😷🙃😊🤗
[There’s a good book by a scientist that supports this; I can find it if anyone wants to know.]
An old friend just died unexpectedly and on his FB page there was a cartoon of a basketball player making a basket which read, “Heaven is a playground”. He loved playing basketball. It put him in the zone where he was most happy and now he’s gone. So what makes me who I am? It’s in the serenity prayer. I just saw this version and I hope its ok to share here:
My Serenity Prayer:
GOD GRANT ME
(not my spouse, my kids or my friends)
THE SERENITY
(remaining unruffled in spite of it all)
TO ACCEPT
(not just endure, suffer & bear)
THE THINGS
( as well as people in my life)
I CANNOT CHANGE
(even though I’ve tried and tried)
THE COURAGE
(which can only come from you, Lord)
TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN
(particularly about myself)
AND THE WISDOM
(this is your area too, Lord)
TO KNOW
(not just guess or hope)
THE DIFFERENCE
(between your will and mine)
If I apply these principles, I have a good chance of knowing who I am and living a life of meaning and purpose. I’m working on that one (awakening) day at a time.
‘Love it, Toni 🥰💕- thanks! I’ll copy it to my gratefulness doc.
I ended up adding one word: (God, not my spouse, my kids or my friends) – when I read it in my doc, it sounded like I didn’t want those people to have serenity. Thanks again Toni! 👏🏼👍🏾
Every experience I’ve ever had contributes to what makes me who I am. Successes, failures, loves, losses, miss-takes and misunderstandings, DNA, environment, etc., etc. Every one and everything is our teacher.
Carol, I answer the question 1st and then read everyone’s answers, and recently – though using different words – we seem to have been on the same wavelength:)
I am the infinite complexity that results from all that I work for, have been willing to fight for, have been willing to sacrifice to protect, all the struggles, disappointments, triumphs, failures, successes, and all the individuals and ideals to which I identify.
I am who I am because of who you are. I am the embodiment of heart, soul, essence of humor, friendships that have taught me lessons, great family love and family traditions. I wouldn’t trade me for anything or anyone EVER!!!!
Like many of you, I am a composite of all the various things that shape me. I’m a Marine, an orphan, a mother, a grandmother, a wife, a friend, a writer, a Christian. I want to be good, kind, decent, loving, faithful, forgiving, and generous. I hope I am.
I think that my traumatic childhood shaped who I am and not all in a bad way. I was an only child and I had to process things on my own. I learned to be very aware of my surroundings, which now I see the beauty in the littlest of things, my intuition sees through peoples protective walls helps me be a better friend and my gratitude for all the shelter and joy that nature and animals has always provided me is endless. The lessons I shouldn’t of had to learn so young moved me to quickly learn to be thankful for the beautiful life I’ve had the chance to live.
God, my parents, blood, sweat, tears, laughter, love, yoga, meditation, and the food I nourish my body with. These things make me who I am…an ocean-loving, heart-on-sleeve, goofy, caring, compassionate, cheese-loving me!
I have a fun-loving spirit coupled with a deep desire to connect with God with more depth. Curiosity is a blessing and a curse for me. I’m loyal and adventuresome and continuously working on my patience.
Individual cells which when joined together create the various body parts to create me. My DNA material that is unique to me created by my parents. the genetics, life experiences that I had and the environment that shaped me into who I am..no other person was, is or will be me…
The “most likely potential” of every possibility that ever was and could ever be is not only what makes me who I am but distinguishes between all the other expressions of possibility (parallel dimensions) that collapse at the eternal point of the Magnificent Now, like the waves of an ocean of undifferentiated energetic possibility breaking along an endless shore of time.
My mind that compensates for the loneliness I feel in life. My curiosity and interests about the world and its’ cultures. My burning desire to live a happy life that is from my dreams to reality. My rose-tinted view of how my future will go, in order to give me a sense of hope in contrast to helplessness.
As a person I feel very free in what I do and how I live. I think that is because I am convinced that my life is going as it should be. Perhaps it helps also that I count my blessings every day, that I give thanks for the food, that I am convinced of the love that guides me, that I am friends with nature, that I consciously nourish my soul with beauty. Even though I am alone, no children, a widow, I never feel alone. Love and light are guiding me. It doesn’t say my life is easy, but this is my life at its best. My conclusion is: Because I am very consciously involved with what is really important to me (love, harmony and beauty), I feel free.
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all the brokenness, shame, guilt, joy, sorrow, laughter, love, healing
willingness to change, resistance to that change, pride, humiliation
all the humanness, and all the Beauty and Truth that lays at the Center of me. for deep down in every man woman and child is the fundamental idea of GOD.
Genes, ancestry, family of origin, place, generation, chosen family and friends, soul journey companions including this space, unhealed hurts and trauma, innate wisdom and a well of joie de vivre.
Who’s the “who”?
I am a product of my past experience and upbringing who, with age, is beginning to weave in a greater tolerance, empathy and acknowledgment of others.
After more reflection, I would like to share that personally, inside I am still much too much longing for the recognition of my father. The little girl inside who just wants to be loved by a father who taught me to do in order to be worth his appreciation, most probably like in so many other families of this time. It lead me to be able to lead the life I may, and for this I am deeply grateful. Still, the other side of the coin just rises to my awareness and this relates to the love missing in my life. Incredible. It took that long. It needed this question and your all contributions to come to this simple awareness. I will see where it leads to. Opening up to that now. Thank you deeply for this question, dear Gratefulness-team.
I am an outsider which gives me great insights into others, either insiders or outsiders. It’s my superpower.
I was born with a twin brother and so I include that special bond as part of who I am that makes up who I am. I never like to be alone as I had a companion, friend , brother whose heartbeat was in sink with mine. As back in the day before scans the doctor never knew my mother was having twins. The doctor only heard one heartbeat. My dad a doctor and the birthing doctor were totally blown away that their were two babies presenting themselves the day we were born.
What makes you who you are?
I think that above all,
I am a being . . .
it’s very confusing to add in my experiences,
my likes and dislikes,
my attractions and distractions . . .
it seems that they are beads and feathers I’ve gathered along the way.
I don’t know if they will remain completely intact when I die,
but in some way they have affected my path and my essence,
for a lack of a better word . . .
but in the end
I am pure Life,
and I’m not sure what that looks like.
Right now,
I cling to what I love . . .
the flowers and trees and rocks,
and people and animals and birds . . .
the crystals hanging in my windows,
the stones that line my garden,
my joys, my sorrows,
my learnings,
my love of music and art
and the sensuality of my body . . .
tastes, smells,
the dappled sunshine through leaves in summer,
the bees buzzing on my echinacaea,
the rain falling on my face
the ocean kissing my toes . . .
all of these I don’t want to lose,
and so I am at a loss for explanation.
I know that my ego
would like to say that I am the person people see in the world,
but I am not my ego,
so what is left . . .
Being?
Something to think about . . .
The eloquence of this moved me Sparrow and connects with my own sense of it
I agree,
dear Malag…
it is all a part of the Great Unknowing…
“Who’s the “who”?”
Its from the very core, the stillness, the silence, the infinite possibility. Oh, and morning coffee…
That which I came with and every experience/person I have encountered.
Foremost of all, my family, along with the friends, faith and experiences I have met along my way. The values that I learnt when young, which have enabled me to make the most of these things and give as much back as I receive.
The world around me and my willingness to accept certain people things and situations.
My sense of humor. I love to laugh, and to make others laugh.
My heredity 😐 and my environment 🙃, inextricably intertwined, despite what research you might read about ‘A’% heredity 😐 and ‘(100-A)’% 🙃 environment. There’s no real way to separate the 2 😐🙃, and neither is happening without the influence of the other! 😜😷🙃😊🤗
[There’s a good book by a scientist that supports this; I can find it if anyone wants to know.]
I’d be interested,
dear Mica…
Cool, Sparrow – I’ll dig it out tomorrow. It should be in my kindle library
Thanks,
dear Mica…
A deep sensitivity juxtaposed with a vastly fun-loving spirit.
An old friend just died unexpectedly and on his FB page there was a cartoon of a basketball player making a basket which read, “Heaven is a playground”. He loved playing basketball. It put him in the zone where he was most happy and now he’s gone. So what makes me who I am? It’s in the serenity prayer. I just saw this version and I hope its ok to share here:
My Serenity Prayer:
GOD GRANT ME
(not my spouse, my kids or my friends)
THE SERENITY
(remaining unruffled in spite of it all)
TO ACCEPT
(not just endure, suffer & bear)
THE THINGS
( as well as people in my life)
I CANNOT CHANGE
(even though I’ve tried and tried)
THE COURAGE
(which can only come from you, Lord)
TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN
(particularly about myself)
AND THE WISDOM
(this is your area too, Lord)
TO KNOW
(not just guess or hope)
THE DIFFERENCE
(between your will and mine)
If I apply these principles, I have a good chance of knowing who I am and living a life of meaning and purpose. I’m working on that one (awakening) day at a time.
Toni, thanks for sharing. I grew up with this prayer and it is truly life changing if you live it – or try to:)
‘Love it, Toni 🥰💕- thanks! I’ll copy it to my gratefulness doc.
I ended up adding one word: (God, not my spouse, my kids or my friends) – when I read it in my doc, it sounded like I didn’t want those people to have serenity. Thanks again Toni! 👏🏼👍🏾
My teachers and mentors.
Every experience I’ve ever had contributes to what makes me who I am. Successes, failures, loves, losses, miss-takes and misunderstandings, DNA, environment, etc., etc. Every one and everything is our teacher.
Carol, I answer the question 1st and then read everyone’s answers, and recently – though using different words – we seem to have been on the same wavelength:)
Cathie, Just checked out your answer and I agree. We agree on this one. I just used a heck of a lot more words to say the same thing! Hee-Hee…
I am the infinite complexity that results from all that I work for, have been willing to fight for, have been willing to sacrifice to protect, all the struggles, disappointments, triumphs, failures, successes, and all the individuals and ideals to which I identify.
I am who I am because of who you are. I am the embodiment of heart, soul, essence of humor, friendships that have taught me lessons, great family love and family traditions. I wouldn’t trade me for anything or anyone EVER!!!!
Like many of you, I am a composite of all the various things that shape me. I’m a Marine, an orphan, a mother, a grandmother, a wife, a friend, a writer, a Christian. I want to be good, kind, decent, loving, faithful, forgiving, and generous. I hope I am.
I think that my traumatic childhood shaped who I am and not all in a bad way. I was an only child and I had to process things on my own. I learned to be very aware of my surroundings, which now I see the beauty in the littlest of things, my intuition sees through peoples protective walls helps me be a better friend and my gratitude for all the shelter and joy that nature and animals has always provided me is endless. The lessons I shouldn’t of had to learn so young moved me to quickly learn to be thankful for the beautiful life I’ve had the chance to live.
God, my parents, blood, sweat, tears, laughter, love, yoga, meditation, and the food I nourish my body with. These things make me who I am…an ocean-loving, heart-on-sleeve, goofy, caring, compassionate, cheese-loving me!
I have a fun-loving spirit coupled with a deep desire to connect with God with more depth. Curiosity is a blessing and a curse for me. I’m loyal and adventuresome and continuously working on my patience.
My heart, spirit and inner soul makes me who I am today.
My responses to: the environment around me and the unique set of challenges that I deal with.
Individual cells which when joined together create the various body parts to create me. My DNA material that is unique to me created by my parents. the genetics, life experiences that I had and the environment that shaped me into who I am..no other person was, is or will be me…
The “most likely potential” of every possibility that ever was and could ever be is not only what makes me who I am but distinguishes between all the other expressions of possibility (parallel dimensions) that collapse at the eternal point of the Magnificent Now, like the waves of an ocean of undifferentiated energetic possibility breaking along an endless shore of time.
My DNA, my upbringing, my experiences, and my battles makes me who I am.
For better or worse, life history, family, faith, and education, makes me who I am
My mind that compensates for the loneliness I feel in life. My curiosity and interests about the world and its’ cultures. My burning desire to live a happy life that is from my dreams to reality. My rose-tinted view of how my future will go, in order to give me a sense of hope in contrast to helplessness.
As a person I feel very free in what I do and how I live. I think that is because I am convinced that my life is going as it should be. Perhaps it helps also that I count my blessings every day, that I give thanks for the food, that I am convinced of the love that guides me, that I am friends with nature, that I consciously nourish my soul with beauty. Even though I am alone, no children, a widow, I never feel alone. Love and light are guiding me. It doesn’t say my life is easy, but this is my life at its best. My conclusion is: Because I am very consciously involved with what is really important to me (love, harmony and beauty), I feel free.
You are a beautiful soul . . .♥
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. So well said. I am working to incorporate this into my life.
Christine, this is such a beautiful post – thank you!
Gosh, Christine, this is beautiful. Thank you.