who am i?
The answer to this question often includes labels: gender, nationality, profession, social roles, and other categories that define existence within society. While these labels offer a sense of belonging and help navigate the social world, they can also obscure a deeper understanding of the self. Truly inquiring “who am I” requires removing these external definitions and exploring the inner self.
The labels that we cling to, or covet, or parade around, really are of no consequence in the grand scheme of things. Sometimes the wearing and owning of a label helps us step forward in the direction of our dreams, giving us an identity to hold on to (to steady ourselves as we step into the unknown, perhaps). Sometimes the label gives a sense of meaning to our individual lives, but it is wholly unconnected to who we are at the core of our being.
The challenge of this inward journey involves confronting the anxieties and uncertainties that arise when letting go of familiar labels. There may be a sense of loss or fear when shedding the security of roles and affiliations. However, this process also creates space for authentic self-discovery and a deeper sense of inner freedom and purpose. It is an invitation to explore innate talents, predispositions, and values, independent of external validation.
When my daughter was in high school, I began to question who I was when the label of mother did not play an active role in my daily life. I had wrapped up so much of my identity in being a mother that I felt lost when the nest was about to become empty. I began my own self-discovery of who I was at the core of my being. I realized the path in my life had been armored with protective measures to keep me safe and not seen. Breaking free from these influences was both empowering and essential for movement towards authentic living.
I began to embrace the “woo-woo” side of myself that I had packed away for safe keeping. I had to unpack this word and stop running away from it. I allowed the unseen world to be felt and acknowledged how deeply I was connected to it. I opened to the horses in my life, who invited me to welcome the alchemist home. I did all these things one small step at time. I’m not the same person I was several years ago and feel deeply grateful for embracing who I am at the core of my being without labels. Although I still use labels, I know that I am love, light, beauty, grace, kind, connected, an alchemist and so much more.
Instead of clinging to fixed notions of who one “should” be, one can embrace the journey of becoming. The inquiry into “who am I” without labels becomes a lifelong exploration, a continuous unfolding of the self that embraces freedom, responsibility, and the rich tapestry of human experience. I encourage you to start asking, “Who am I?”
Much love,
Margo & the Herd