Living Happiness

When I was a little girl, my mother used to say to me, “Remember who you are.” Usually this advice was given when I was doing something new for the first time or stepping out with friends she didn’t really know. It became very frequent advice when I became a teenager, and it was my mom’s way of saying, “Don’t forget your values. Don’t forget the things we’ve taught you.” It was a gentle reminder to a be good girl.

It also became something of a family joke. I heard it so often that I couldn’t help but laugh and tease, “Oh, no! Mom, who am I?” Hahaha. But I think this is the best piece of advice I’ve ever received.

I was reminded last night that, for a few days anyway, I have done some forgetting of who I am. A still, small voice that I know to be my heart said, “Why are you writing from your head? Why aren’t you writing from me?” And that was all it took to sadden me and humble me because, when I write from my heart, the magic flows through … without effort, without my help, with only her words.

Positively Present wrote a lovely post a few days ago which encouraged readers to go back and look at their first post. What did it say? How did we feel about it? Was what we said still true? I balked at doing this because my blog is so new. But last night, after hearing Voice, I did what was asked and read my first post, Harmony, and then a few more. I loved them.

When I began writing just a month ago, I was writing more consciously for myself than I was for an audience, and the voice that is in those posts rings far truer to me than some of my more recent posts. Not to belittle these recent lovelies but while they begin with an idea in my heart, my head quickly steps in and takes over–a bit like the know-it-all who interrupts someone to wax eloquent on all he knows, drowning out the voice of the other speaker. I do not want this to be me.

So today I am asking my Voice an apology and going back to my roots (thank you, Caroline). I am remembering who I am. I am writing for me.

Peace be with you today,