The poet e.e. cummings wrote, “It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.”
Begin by honoring yourself.
How would you finish this sentence: “I am a ________.”
What popped into your mind? Was it one of these?
- Your job title or profession (dentist, lawyer, teacher);
- your role in life (wife, brother, child);
- your physical characteristics (thin person, fat person);
- your hobbies (birder, swimmer);
- your beliefs (Christian, Buddhist).
- something else?
Remember, the sum of the total is more than the parts. Each one of these ideas only represents a small part of who you really are. Be careful how you label yourself. Labels can be negative or positive and therefore do either damage or good.
In terms of your career, you are a person that works for a living. You are not the sum of your job circumstances. Challenge yourself to do what you love most. Begin honoring the part of you that knows exactly what that is, and you will find yourself living a happier and more creative life.
How do you find that voice in the face of the myriad distractions of life?
- Learn to be still, even if it’s only 5 minutes a day.
- Let go of those labels, and recognize that they are in constant flux, depending on what you are doing right now. YOU are not the label you have given yourself.
- Reconnect to the things you love to do, whether it’s writing or working out. Do what Julie Cameron refers to as “refilling the well” of your deepest contented self.
- Clear the clutter, whether it is physical or emotional. Throw away things that are not useful. Let go of unhealthy relationships. Easier said than done, but stillness can provide clarity.
- Practice “gratitude attitude” daily, for whatever parts of your life are working well.
If you do these things, you will help yourself remember who you really are—and grow into the person you are meant to be.
Tags: academia, academic, becoming yourself, coaching, transition
