Hi and welcome back to Second Chance to Live my friend. I am glad to see you decided to stop by and visit with me. I have been thinking about the topic of identity. For many years I allowed my identity to be defined out side of me. Status and monetary qualification was the measuring stick that I sought to measure up to so that I could establish my self-worth and self-value as an individual.
Because I focused on status and money – the status of an identity and the financial security that would attract a mate – my life stayed in turmoil. The turmoil arose from my inability to secure my status in the world, which was trumpeted and reinforced by my financial insecurity. My financial security forever seemed to be out of my reach because of my inability to maintain gainful employment.
Over time and through my struggle to fit into societal and family expectations I had a spiritual awakening. My spiritual awakening revealed to me that for many years I was trying to fit my life into a round hole when I was created to be a square peg. Through my spiritual awakening I began to realize that I could no longer base my value, worth or identify on my ability to fit into a round hole.
I could no longer base my value, worth or identity on my ability to fit into a round hole because I was created to be a square peg. I could not create my own identity until I was able to accept that I was created to be a square peg.
As a square peg I began to accept that my financial security could no longer be dependent upon a round peg system. I had to begin to think like a square peg. I had to think out side the box. With my awareness, the obvious became apparent. I could no longer find my security or my identity in a system that celebrated and rewarded round pegs. I had to find a system that worked for me.
Over time I have come to accept, but more so to celebrate the beauty of who I am — a square peg. I have come to not only celebrate who I am but to excel as a square peg through my gifts, talents and abilities. I am not suggesting that I have arrived – because I know that I have not – but I no longer fight against myself. I no longer attempt to be something that I am not – a round peg.
Receive more articles like this one simply by clicking on Subscribe to Second Chance to Live by email.
All material presented on Second Chance to Live is copyright and cannot be copied, reproduced, or distributed in any way without the express, written consent of Craig J. Phillips, MRC, BA
Wollf says
Craig…..I did a short post based on an MSN report of returning Soldiers and TBI. One of my readers tipped me to your site.
Me? Fractured, (read busted) skull twice, once when 18 by an errant bull on a bad ride, and the other from a less than air worthy UH-1…..Concentration problems, forgetfulness, ADD…the “usual”.
Embrace your “different” way of thinking. I’m considered fairly successful, and “thinking outside the box”? Heh….
I don’t even know where the box is…..I lost it somewhere back in the 1980’s….
Keep it up.
Wollf
secondchancetolive says
Hi Wollf,
Thank you for your time and kindness in leaving a comment my friend. You are a blessing to me. We learn as we go Wollf. One day at a time.
Have a simply amazing day and God bless you!
Craig
RisibleGirl says
I’ve struggled with the identity thing for a very long time. Early on, my identity was based on my religion. Then, my identity was based on being ‘that’ girl to snag ‘that’ guy. Then, my identity was based on my mothering skills, and finally- before really understanding what’s important, my identity was based on my job.
I’ve now come to understand that the most important thing about *Me* is just that. Being me.
I’ve learned recently that people can question anything about me and I’ll take the time to thoughtfully consider their beef about me. The one thing I will defend to the end is how I treat other people. My core being is kindness. Other than that, nothing else really matters.