I frequently like to go on Oprah's website. I know - I'm like every other housewife in America on board the Oprah train. But she does bring up some interesting topics about who we are, what we believe in, what led us to be the person we currently are. So here's the thought for today from Oprah (and p.s. - My instant reaction was I am a dreamer):
Quick, finish this sentence: "I am a ________." What popped into your mind? Did you immediately think of your job title? Did you identify yourself with a relationship term, like wife, daughter, or Elvis fan? Maybe you described your body ("I am a svelte size 10"), your personality ("I am an optimist"), or your favorite hobby ("I am a heavy drinker"). Identity labels like these are useful, even necessary. They shape the way we act and feel (and the way people act and feel toward us) in every situation, from taking the bus to taking a lover. But many labels are misleading, and none can fully describe the multifaceted reality that is a human being. Moreover, any external criteria we use to label ourselves—looks, power, health, relationships, anything—can disappear in a heartbeat. So really, the only way to avoid a lot of insecurity, fear, and suffering is to learn how to wear our identities lightly and let go of them easily.
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