I had the privilege of sitting in circle with some women a couple of weeks ago, always a blessing in my life, and pondered as each one introduced herself to the others in the group.
The words they used were, wife, mother, grandmother, coach, business owner, chef etc.
They spoke of their achievements, their productivity, their involvement in sporting or community clubs. Some mentioned their hobbies.
I then asked them to go around the circle again and introduce themselves again - not as who they were to others, rather, who they are inside - what lights them up, what gets the juices flowing, what ignites the fire in their bellies.
A few of them were stumped.
A couple scratched their heads.
Looked away, a bit perplexed.
We often find ourselves so defined by what is in our minds and lives rather than what is in our hearts.
We pop ourselves into categories:
Job
Family
Belongings
Neighbourhood
Age, Gender
Illness
Accolades etc, etc
I can introduce myself thus:
Daughter, sister, aunt, mother, wife, grandmother, friend
Mindset Mentor
Holistic Counsellor
Reiki Master, Meditation Teacher
Author, songwriter
Perfectly acceptable intro of Chelle Fisher.
And there is nothing wrong with that. I just argue that we are so much more that the external parts.
However, if we removed all those things from our introduction, what are we left with?
You may be pondering that question right now - what is left?
What if I asked you to answer these questions when you introduce yourself?
What lights you up?
What sparks the fire in your belly?
What is non negotiable in your life?
What are your values?
What do you stand for?
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
What is your dream/s?
When you depart this earth, what would you like to be remembered for?
Puts a whole new spin on your introduction of YOU, does it not?
So, next time someone asks you to "tell me about yourself", hit them with your passions, dreams and what lights you up - see what response you get.
Let me know in the comments - I find this exercise so enlightening - folks either get it or walk off to get another biscuit.
BE YOU - BE BOLD - BE AUTHENTIC
Chelle x
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