10 April 2010

Be More of Who You Are

"Find out who you are and do it on purpose." - Dolly Parton
 

Inspired by this photo taken recently in my garden, I began thinking about how we too grow where we are planted, and how we have to grow up through the chains and restriction of circumstance and upbringing to become who we are. Some of us have it easier than others, a stable loving home, enough money, people around who understand and appreciate us and teach by example the important things of life. We learn how to love and be loved, how to find happiness in simple things and how to respect and feel good about ourselves. Some of us seemingly sail through life, most of us don't! - for as well as the inevitable hurts, knocks and sorrows that come bundled with this package called life. . . we have ourselves to deal with. 

"We work with the stuff of the soul 
by means of the things of life." 
 - Thomas Moore
 

We have to function through this interface called 'personality' and deal with a myriad of emotions - making allowances for all the little idiocyncrasies that come with being an individual. Some people have it easier, their internal makeup is one pointed, walking the same road looking at the same goal, no stragglers, no wildcard to sabotage their best laid plans, no internal dichotomies to mediate. With others, learning to mediate between all the differing internal needs, urges and feelings to enable the soul to function effectively through the personality, takes work and understanding. 

 "My task is really not to change myself but to become familiar with who I am." - Maureen Cook 

All of this, makes us such rich intricate beings and through necessity leads us on a quest of personal growth and self understanding. If we were static and if everything was always easy we wouldn't get to know ourself and our strengths and capabilities. We wouldn't develop into the complex and beautiful creatures we are.  

It is by forging ourselves in the fire of life that we hone our skills and recognise our unique essence and learn the courage to express ourselves outwardly, to be authentically us. We all have our own patterns, our own chains that we are growing through, up toward the light. So that eventually we may open our petals and bloom.

 "Whatever you have learned from your own life experience, it is time to express yourself."- Osho

20 comments:

Wall Flower Studio said...

Susannah, this is a wonderfully written post. So thoughtful and very enjoyable to read. The timing couldn't be better, espcially with all the Spring growth happening.
I'm just loving your blog. : )
Have a great weekend!

Colleen Loehr said...

"We all have our own patterns, our own chains, that we are growing through, up toward the light. So that eventually we may open our petals and bloom."

It's clear you connected with that slender dash of green swirling up through the rocks and roots. Beautiful post and beautiful photo Susannah...Thank you!

Suz said...

The older I get the more complex I am
Loved this little chat

Susannah said...

Karen -
great to see you and thanks for your kind words! :-)
Spring is definitely springing, lots of blossom and that gorgeous yellowy green of new leaves appearing everywhere.


Colleen -
yes you are right I saw those bulbs pushing up past the rusty old chain and realised that life always finds a way through. Thanks for your comment, it is always good to see you here. :-)


Suz -
I know what you mean about the older you get the more complex - I feel like that too, but I wonder if we were always complex, but that the energy and bluster of youth didn't give us enough time or the inclination to realise it?
Always good to see you Suz. :-)

Singer said...

"Find out who you are and do it on purpose." - Dolly Parton

i love the quote, nice post too.

Susannah said...

Hello Singer, it is a good quote isn't it. Thanks for visiting it is nice to meet you. :-)

Ann said...

Lovely post Susannah. Hope you had a wonderful weekend.

Susannah said...

Thanks Ann - yes lovely sunshine here at the weekend. :-)

Hope all is well with you.

Jennifer said...

Yes, I do thing we do become more complex, but I also find that I am happiest and most content when I am able to access that person I knew I was when I was a child. I was fortunate in that my parents let me explore my individuality. When I can see through the clarity of child's eyes, it brings me back to centre.

I love the photo you used as the basis for this Susannah.

Susannah said...

Hi Jennifer, you were fortunate your parents let you explore your individuality. (I am afraid mine didn't have much choice!) lol

I took many photo's of the bulbs growing up through the chains, it seemed such a potent and symbolic image.

Nice to see you. :-)

Jewels For Hope said...

This really is a beautiful post. And I absolutely love the picture you took in your garden. Everything always flows perfectly in your writing- I love coming back to your blog.

Susannah said...

Hey Jewels, good to see you here! and thanks very much for your kind comment, you have left me grinning from ear to ear. ;-)

Mary McClain said...

HI Susannah...I really appreciate your sharing through your writing..Your words seem very soothing and nurturing...Bless you for that!!

Susannah said...

Hi Eclectic - I am so glad you experience my words that way and thanks very much for telling me, it is much appreciated.

Good to see you. :-)

Anonymous said...

Susannah,

You make my day. After a difficult week, I replenish my soul, with a pleasant and insightful reading.

Thank ou for the inspiration.

Steve

Susannah said...

Thanks very much for your comment Steve. It is nice to meet you, thank you for visiting. :-)

nothingprofound said...

Beautifully written post with many well-placed quotes to help illustrate your own insights. Seems to me you nailed so many fundamental truths right on the head.

Susannah said...

Thanks very much nothingprofound, your comment is much appreciated.

Thanks for visiting, it is good to see you here. :-)

Michaela said...

Hello Susannah

It's always a pleasure to explore your blogs. And your late post is just blowing me away :-))

Michaela

Susannah said...

Thanks so much Michaela. :-)

It is always good to see you!

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