Who am I? / Who I am!

Who would you be without your story?

~Byron Katie

Hello Dear Ones!

Something has been on my mind and in my heart of late that I wanted, and needed, to get down in print.

The past several days I have been contemplating two issues:
1. Who am I without my stories?
2. Who I am without my stories.

Interesting, isn’t it, that a simple change to the placement of one single word results in converting a question into a statement.

The first, as question, is a seeking. The second, as statement, is a finding.

Let me explain:

It was only today that I saw Byron Katie’s famous quote flowing through my Twitter stream. The past several days I have been contemplating this very aspect of my beingness. So seeing this quote now was a lovely synchronicity. It prompted me strongly enough to do a blog about this very issue in my life.

Being an observer of life, and my role in its unfolding, has had me listening to the stories I tell as I move through my day: with my hubbie as we chat about this and that; with friends when we get together; in my head as I walk to work; with coworkers as we interact daily; with customers as they ask my counsel on perceived health care issues; with extended family when we connect via text, email or by phone; even my Twitter presence has its own influence on the stories I choose to share. It is quite fascinating for me to realize that each scenario has me responding in different ways. I am always telling stories. I’m good at it. I am, after all, a writer by passion. Yet this week’s observations had me realizing there are as many different aspects of me as there are varying influences around me.

So… what happens if I remove the stories I tell myself and others? Who is the me beneath it all? Who am I at my core? Without the stories, what do I have to talk about? And with whom do I share those aspects of myself? When I peeled away the stories … I found that I had, well, I had nothing to share. GULP…

Scary. I couldn’t leave myself empty of value. Though I felt I had nothing to share story-wise, what DID I have to share? That was the question I was asking: Who am I without my stories?

That’s when the statement came to the forefront. I needed to know who I was without my stories. What made me, me?

And much to my own surprise this is what arose for me after a brief mediation of glorious deep breathing.

This is who I am without my stories:

I am my smile. The sweet curve of a smile is the gentlest path to the heart. It is safe to be with me. 

I am eye contact.  I see you and am willing to be seen by you.

I am my ears. You are truly being heard.

I am the brief touch of my hand to your forearm, your shoulder. You are supported.

I am a hug. You are cared for. You are loved.

I am an open heart. I am willing to be vulnerable with you.

These are the things I am at my core. I like what I have found here within me today.

In the days and weeks ahead I trust I shall find ways to communicate these qualities in my daily life and with people who also value these aspects of life and living. I do not know where any of this may lead. In the moment I do not need to know. I have asked the question. I have received my answer. Though I started with a story here, I am closing this post by sharing me … at my core.

Bless you for being one who also has an open heart and who is, or just may be, willing to be vulnerable with me.

In Light and Laughter,

Marcia

Note: I would be honoured if you would comment on what you have read here today.

6 Replies to “Who am I? / Who I am!”

  1. worzelodd

    It is painful, if you let it be, to be told your stories, that make up your life are B.S. It is difficult to deal with peoples anger, whilst living with your own. All fine stories have love at the core, even the angry ones. Been really studying Johnny Cash for that immense wisdom. Great post, Miss Marcia, look forward to hearing how it goes. xxbbeetz, Worzel

    Reply
    1. Avatar phototomarciamae Post author

      Worzel, there is such joy in the story you and I have been finely crafting together over the years.
      Now, with this comment, you honour me with your open honesty. Thank you for this sharing.

      Reply
  2. Dorothy

    Your story is the language of your smile, the contact of your eye, the turning of your ear. Together they give color to your touch and depth to your hug; and only strength can open a heart.

    Thank you for the chapters that blossom out of the story of you!

    Reply

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