Be What You Are

So many times in life we try to be what others want us to be. Or worse, we prop ourselves up behind self-images made up of the different things we do. Like I used to say I'm a lawyer, because I am. But those things we do, and the labels attached to them, are not us. And they do a darn poor job of describing who and what we really are.

Over these last years those descriptions of me were somewhat loosened as I delved more and more into my own nature, and wrote about all the things I found. But in their place I took on new labels. You know, spiritual teacher, author, speaker. But these are no more descriptive of me than lawyer was.

Sure, I do all those things. Just as you do all the things in your life. But they aren't me, any more than the hats you wear are you.

So who am I?

I am that unique package of me that I bring to the world. With all of its blemishes, and all of its wonderful qualities. I can't run away from any of it, or emphasize one part over another. The mind of the lawyer is the same mind of the writer and teacher and husband and father who loves to play with his kids. In fact, it is so hard to describe myself that I won't even try.

I simply am, learning about me and expressing myself through my creativity, contemplation, and connection with the life in and around me. In short, I am John. Nothing more can be said.

Who are you?