From "Who Are You?" to "Who Am I?": Being Befuddled in a Befuddled World

Last week, I sent out an email asking a simple yet profound question: "Who are you?" which explored a recent episode where I just simply couldn't answer the question to reflect me. The responses I received were thoughtful and introspective, but one, in particular, struck a chord.?

It revealed not just how my question landed, but how it transformed in the mind of the reader.

The Power of Perspective

When I asked "Who are you?", one reader instinctively reframed it as "Who am I?" This subtle shift speaks volumes. It shows how we're all grappling with our identity, turning external questions inward as we search for meaning and authenticity in our lives.

The Age of Befuddlement

This reader introduced me to a term that perfectly captures our current state: "befuddlement." In their words:

"We used to know who we are, in relation to God and our religion. Now we flit from attachment to attachment of ideas, images, news stories, celebrity capers, body image, memes, echo chambers, manufactured emotions, etc., etc., all in a great state of befuddlement."

Does this resonate with you? In our increasingly secular world, many of us have lost the anchors that once defined our identity. We find ourselves adrift in a sea of:

• Fleeting trends
• Social media personas
• Conflicting expectations
• Information overload

All of this leaves us in what Buddhists might call a state of "fundamental darkness," where we've lost touch with our true selves.

The Search for Authenticity

If you're reading this, chances are you're:

• An emerging leader, feeling the weight of expectation but unsure of your true path
• A brave pioneer, who once had the passion but now feels that fire is slowly going out
• A creative soul, yearning to express your true self but feeling stifled by the noise around you
• A strategic thinker, struggling to align your actions with your deepest values

You know there's way more to you than simply the roles you play or the expectations placed upon you. You also know you have the courage, wisdom, and compassion in there somewhere, but accessing it feels just out of reach.

Rediscovering Your Brave, Authentic Self

The good news? That sense of something more, that little spark of your true potential, is spot on. As my reader pointed out, in Buddhism, they believe we all have "Buddhahood" within us, we are all capable of great courage, wisdom, compassion, and life force. This isn't far from what we at The Brave Collective have been exploring as your authentic self, or your 'truth'.

Being brave isn't about never feeling fear or doubt. It's about acknowledging the befuddlement, the fundamental darkness, and choosing to light a candle anyway. It's about asking "Who am I?" not just as an intellectual exercise, but as a commitment to living from your core truth.

Your Invitation to Clarity

Are you ready to cut through the noise, to peel back the layers of expectation and attachment, and to reconnect with your authentic, brave self?

Are you ready to move from befuddlement to clarity, from fundamental darkness to radiant authenticity? The journey isn't always easy, but it's infinitely rewarding. And you don't have to do it alone.

Why not sign up to The Brave Collective emails for leaders, pioneers, creatives, and thinkers who want to reignite the fire in their belly. And when spaces open to join the existing leaders on group coaching sessions in the future you’ll be the first to find out.?

Kirsty Gilchrist is founder of The Brave Collective, soloco and the Making The Difference podcast.