Leaders, masters and philosophers have admonished us for centuries to “Know Yourself” and “To thine own self be true”.
For many years I heard these words and thought of course I know myself, I love chocolate and potato chips, teddy bears and the colour purple and drive a Volkswagen Beetle (now I drive a purple! Sidekick). Time and learning experiences have shown me, that the me I thought I knew, was only a tiny portion of the whole me. I am beginning to see the importance of these words of wisdom. The more fully I know myself, the deeper my satisfaction with life; the more I trust my own inner voice, the more empowered I become.
Curiosity is my tool for greater self knowing. I think of my life as a puzzle to figure out or a treasure map to follow or a maze to traverse; a life-long adventure. I believe there are clues everywhere that can help us discover more of who we are. Places I have uncovered clues include: my family of origin, horoscope, numerology, asking people I trust to share what they see as my strengths and challenges, writing out a list of my loves and identifying what I feel passionate about. I ponder what each clue reveals about me. Ultimately paying attention in each moment to the way I respond to things around me has provided the greatest insights. I watch for where my energy is highest, what excites me, what opens me up rather than shut me down and most importantly what resonates with truth and authenticity for me.
When it comes time to make a choice I go inside first to ask for guidance. When the voice I hear is judgemental, discouraging or fearful I know it is not my true self talking. I call that my Gremlin voice. When the voice is encouraging, caring and thoughtful that is my authentic voice. When the inner voice grows silent, I trust, and wait for the answers to come. I am discovering that the heart is our most precious source of guidance, not the mind. Following the urges of my heart always leads me to a greater sense of living my best life. Frustration diminishes, depression lifts and inspiration grows when I live my truth and trust my own wisdom.
Knowing myself more completely has become the greatest adventure of all.
Where have you found clues? How do you follow your heart?
Wishing you the curiosity to know yourself better and be true to YOU.
livingisafunnybusiness 
Val, thanks for sharing your love of life and your journey of getting to know and love your self. You’re such a love. I’m thinking of your smile & the light in your eyes. If Buddah had a sister – she would look like you.
I find messages everywhere now. When I follow my heart urges, I automatically feel good and find that the universe supports me. Things seem to “fall into place” with ease.
I feel supported by life. I’m a co-pilot with the universe. I don’t have to control everything that happens. I just have to follow my heart, shine my light. That’s everyone’s basic purpose, really. To express myself is my special gift because I’m a gift and so are you – and you, and you, and you. I’m divine
(we all are). God w/ skin. Being me is all I’ve
got to do.
And being me – means following my heart. No matter how silly or strange or common the urge is. No matter whether I know why, or how, or what for. Joy is our birthright. We can drop the struggle and go toward, go forward in resonance.
Love to you. Miss you. So great to connect with you. Keep writing!!!!!!!
I love the image of being a co-pilot with the universe and shining our light. Miss you, too.
Great stuff Val!!!!
Hi Val, …great post, since you taught me the word “gremlin” recently I have noticed it loud and clear. It seems still to be a quandry these days , to distinguish between an inner voice being a ‘gremlin’ vs. an inner voice being large sign post that says “stop” , “turn sharply”…I suppose you are right though, the excitement is the key , but when inclusion of all of our selves is the journey…how to include even the gremlin? So far yours has been the best advice on this…’give it another job that it might be good at, and enjoy…!”
hugs
Kath