You Are Enough

“Amid a world of noisy, shallow actors it is noble to stand aside and say, 'I will simply be.”? ― Henry David Thoreau

Perhaps the most daunting challenge that one can ever face in life, is coming to the realization of and being who you really are. It is also the most important.?

Observing the natural world, our pets, and pre-school aged children can give us clues about the importance of simply being. Animals and pre-school? aged children do not stop to consider whether or not someone likes them or what they look like. They live in the moment of each emotion and situation that arises. Anger, fear frustration, happiness, excitement, joy, and wonder are each experienced as the current situation dictates. Then in a moment, they quickly move into the next adventure, enjoying life as it unfolds.

In the natural world, a tree never mourns its entire lifespan about not being the most popular tree or saddened that it is not a rock. The ocean does not seek to be a mountain. The natural world excels within its own form and evolves into a more developed version of its own over the span of centuries.?

As humans occupying the form that shrouds a spiritual being, we are unique in our desire to always fit in, to be “normal”, to seek after the affections of people who may not be good for us. We are conditioned from the earliest years of our life, to suppress who we are or what we want to become, so we can please and gain the affection of? those who are constantly trying to change us into who they want us to be.?

As a medical provider in urgent care, I treat patients of all ages. I am privileged to in a position to observe a spectrum of behaviors in hundreds of children,? of all ages and cultural backgrounds.? Prior to a more formal school setting, young children are generally uninhibited, filled with wonder about absolutely everything, curious, excited, and happy. Even if they are frustrated or angry about something, that emotion lasts only a few moments, then off to the next experience.?

Once the child enters a more structured and formal setting, rules and expectations begin to dominate their life. Comparison to others (Why can’t you be more like…), criticism (You are too loud… You are a bad boy/girl… You are too fat…You are too skinny…), and conditions (If you are “good”, I will…), begin to dominate one’s existence and with it, the withering of one’s sense of self. It is sobering to observe the tremendous power of negative messaging, on one’s development.?

The child becomes a teen, then all too soon, an adult who dreams smaller, forgets who they really are, and the wonder of simply being the unique, extraordinary individual that they are; constantly seeking something outside of themselves for approval and value; always wanting to fit in. This mindset can lead to tremendous suffering, unhealthy relationships, abuse, and physical or mental illness. ?

Recognizing who you are at a deeper, spiritual level, involves looking within and un-learning what has led you away from who you really are.? This cannot be found in seeking the opinions of others who dictate to you who you “should” be, in order to be worthy of their “love”.?

You do not need to do anything to be worthy of love from anyone. You only need to be yourself - your true self.?

There is only one YOU? with your specific gifts and talents, in the entire Universe. Never doubt that.

You are enough without doing anything to please anyone. Proudly be who you are.?

The right people will show up to love you, while the wrong people will leave your life, once they have lost their ability to dominate you, or make you feel smaller.?

Reject the noise around you. Look within. The only opinion of you that really matters, is your own.?

Feel the tremendous power of: I will simply Be Myself.

Resources and Support:? ? Linktree resources

• Audible Version available: Reflections on Transcendence - Second Edition?- Narrated by Catherine O’Connor - A mindfulness-based book of meditations and reflections that fosters introspection, consciousness, and awakening from the grip of anxiety, worry, and unhealthy thinking. Press play at any spot for nuggets of inspiration.
• Get Chapter One of My Book: Reflections on Transcendence - Second Edition -? Sample the first chapter for free!
• Books, Resources & Publications - Mindfulness-themed books, resources, digital magazine, and more to support your transformation and mindful living (including free resources).
• How to Work with Me- If you are having a difficult time managing stressful thinking, unhappiness, or constant worry in spite of your successes,?message me to schedule a call.