I get into the biggest kind of trouble when I forget who I am.
I mean the whole reason I took the time to develop a personal vision and mission statement was to ensure that I would remain true to myself.
Lately I’ve been meandering a bit.
You know…chasing rabbits down their little rabbit holes.
My wings have caught flight on whichever winds were blowing by and I’ve been sitting on the raft and floating around on random currents.
On Saturday, I had a good heart-to-heart with a friend…
and she told me she’s been worried about me.
She said I’ve been living too much in my head;
going to deep within myself – withdrawing.
Second guessing everything too much.
And she’s right.
When I’m living and making decisions based on who I am, it might not always work out, but I am never disappointed in ‘staying the course’ of who I am and pursuing what I’m meant to pursue.
It only seems to take a second of insecurity, a moment of doubt to set me off in the wrong direction.
HELLO!!
…that’s exactly when I should be falling back on the vision and mission statements I took the time to discover and made the effort to write out!
On a good day our basic instincts, drives, purpose – whatever you want to call it – result in success.
On our worst days, they can dig a hole, hit us over the head with a shovel and bury us so deep in darkness and fear we become blind and paralyzed.
Building community, to me, means building human relationships, hearing all sides, recognizing the gifts of others, encouraging them to take a leap of faith to follow their dreams.
But what happens when their mission conflicts with mine?
I’ll tell you what sometimes happens when I’m not paying attention:
I acquiesce on my mission.
I turn my back on my vision.
This always results in a loss of passion and purpose for me.
Don’t misread me on this. I’m not saying I’m right and they’re wrong.
What I’m saying is that there is a disconnect; a misalignment of purpose, so to speak.
Both visions could very well have value and at the same time not be compatible with each other.
This is when my personal vision and mission statement, if I’m staying on top of what’s going on, should bring me back to the truth of who I am.
And likely, this is when it is time to agree to disagree, wish someone well in their mission and get back on track with mine.
I’m most content when I live from a place of authenticity and act from a place of passion and integrity.
I define integrity as staying true to who you are and consistently acting from this place of truth
In this definition, we don’t all have the same truths.
We don’t all have the same vision or mission.
But that’s ok. Differences are what make people so interesting.
And who knows maybe our differences build a complete, larger picture of all that is meant to be.
The truth is I can pursue my dreams with joy and I can joyfully wish you well in following yours.
It takes wisdom to realize when something is not a fit for you.
And it takes courage to then step away from it, even if it’s not the popular thing to do.
Today, I choose again, to remember who I am; to speak, act and unabashedly go where I am meant to go.
Because when I remember who I am and act on it, I am giving my best to my community and we all (collectively) should expect nothing less.
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
I’m grateful for good friends and for the heart-to-heart I had on Saturday.
What or who keeps you on course?
How do you ensure that you remain true?
Ruby said:
I just wanted to say thank you for the post, thank you for the inspiration and thank you for giving people a reason to find their own ways. Happy Friday!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Ruby and Happy Friday to you too!
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mindfuldiary said:
Reblogged this on MINDFUL LIVING and commented:
heeey! Today’s message is from Diana: Remember Who You Are! Hope you all have a fab weekend! 🙂 Kristi
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you so much for the reblog! ❤
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The Presents of Presence said:
Oh you are an inspiring post writer! So happy we’ve connected! I think we all go through this from time to time…
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dianasschwenk said:
Yes it’s very human isn’t it? I think if we didn’t have to work so hard to remind ourselves, it wouldn’t be nearly as meaningful. Don’t you think?
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The Presents of Presence said:
Oh absolutely ~ I think you are so right! xo
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dianasschwenk said:
🙂
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thoughtsfromanamericanwoman said:
This really was a great post and like most already said, you are an inspiration to all of us. God bless you – Patty
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Patty! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Blessing to you.
xo
Diana
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elizabeth2560 said:
Hello Diana. have you looked at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? This describes a stepped process for our needs. Firstly basic physiological needs, then safety and security, then companionship, followed by achievement and finally (in only a small percentage of people), self-actualization. The theory is you need to satisfy the lower levels first before ‘graduating’ to the higher level needs. I do not agree. I believe some people need to self-actualize as a basic need. They need to do this before any of the other level needs are met. And if they cannot do this, that is when they feel “off course”. These are very special and gifted people. You are in that special category. You go straight to the top.
By your friend (and I am sure she is a very dear and well-meaning friend) saying that you live too much in your head just means that she does not understand your needs. This real need to think and ponder your own self, your own destiny.
However, you do. You have expressed your own NEED yourself. “I’m most content when I live from a place of authenticity and act from a place of passion and integrity”.
You have not asked for food or money, a large house or a companion or a job or to be great movie star in order to become happy. You have asked for the chance to live with authenticity.
And you do.
“Today, I choose ….. to go where I am meant to go….. Because when I remember who I am and act on it, I am giving my best.
Great post and you an inspiration to us all. 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Elizabeth! There’s a lot to think about here! I will have to read it again. Your encouragement and friendship are a blessing to me. Thank you for consistantly coming around and sharing your thoughts and support. It means a lot to me.
xo
Diana
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joannerambling said:
Great post, sometimes it is hard to remember who we are and be true to ourselves. I like knowing I am not the only one who goes through this…..
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dianasschwenk said:
I like knowing that too! 😉
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artsifrtsy said:
Diana – I think you do an awesome job of building community, you promote the passions of others – I have been the beneficiary of both. I guess we see ourselves through a bit more of a microscope than others do.
As for staying on track personally – I set small achievable goals and don’t let myself off the hook.
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dianasschwenk said:
I reward myself. People always laugh at that one because they say they would reward themselves anyway…but it I say book a trip somewhere for the future…I set goals that I need to accomplish before the trip!
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artsifrtsy said:
Yeah – I do that too. I have to be pressing towards something I want to do or enjoy. My goals are small though, small steps that help me build habits.
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Brigitte said:
I do this by remembering all the many blessings in my life. I try very hard to remind myself of these things everyday. Integrity, respect, self-worth, joy and compassion — all things I try very hard to incorporate into my life!
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dianasschwenk said:
Good for your Brigitte! These qualities show up in your posts, without a doubt!
xo
Diana
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Slapppshot said:
Hmm, didn’t proofread my entry…call it midnight bliss! Hope you make sense of it…it was well meant, I promise you that 🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
haha, as luck would have it, I speak and understand midnight bliss!
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Slapppshot said:
Lying on the couch, lazily flicking through my flipboard on the iPad and…whack, smack, attack!!!
Your post Diana…
Had to log on the comp and commend you for what you have just written. I saw someone say what I have always thought…you inspire people and I don’t think you realise how much with your soothing style and elegance. You once wrote to me…and gave me words I shall treasure for the rest of my life. Well, you my dear lady friend…are shot right back ‘atcha!
It’s hard to stay on the course…you need to be disciplined and forthright but with a sense of compassion. Not an easy trio to master, but time helps us become masters of our own destiny through choice and the ability learn from our mistakes.
In terms of blogging, as I have recently discovered…do what ‘you’ want to do and not what others expect you to do. If you fall into that trap, then burnout is inevitable and the motivation you once had will be extinguished quicker than it was lit. It becomes a chore…and people will sooner or later see through that.
Stay true to yourself…you are an exceptional writer and a wonderful human being. Something I treasure when I am fortunate to read what you wish to convey.
As always, blessings…Slapppshot!
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dianasschwenk said:
Why thank you very much kind sir. If I indeed inspire other, I’m thrilled beyond words! Thank you for your encouragement and advice. I really appreciate you and look forward to more from your new endeavours!
love ya,
Diana
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On The Way.... said:
Wise words as always lovely.
Am working on it, just proving a little harder than anticipated.
hugs, x
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you my dear, nice to see you here again. I read your last post on my blackberry and am encouraged and hopeful for you. You’re gifts, the things you do, the way you care for people – amazing to me… You have more strength than you know…
xo
Diana
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mindfuldiary said:
First of all, you are very inspiring and I see you following your vision all the time! In fact I admire how much energy you got to do that. So I think, I´ll pass the advice I got from my friend, don’t be so hard on yourself! But I guess I can relate so much in what you say here, sometimes we ourselves just don’t see how good we are. Also because I can imagine you have that grande vision in your head, where you should be heading but don’t give yourself enough credit for the babysteps you already are making. I mean Diana, your blog is reflection of how powerfully you live your vision. Hmm, maybe you just need glasses?! 😀 Btw, what a great friend you got! I love honest, straight up people like that. hugs
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dianasschwenk said:
ahh my dear (HUGS) Thanks for your support and encouragement! I am hard on myself – I know this – I do try to celebrate though and find that balance.
Yes she’s a good friend. I shoot from the hip and so does she. I never sit around wondering what she’s thinking or analyzing what she possibly meant because she lays it out there clear and direct in love…
I am blessed.
And you bless me too.
Diana
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mindfuldiary said:
🙂
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dianasschwenk said:
What a nice surprise! Thanks for the reblog!
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myrthryn said:
It’s hard to stay true sometimes as the hardest thing in the world is to be a whole person. Keep up the vision and mission, Diane!
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dianasschwenk said:
yes to stay focussed in someways perhaps? Focussed, yet open. Vision in sight, yet always listening, adapting, including…where is the manual for that???
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dianasschwenk said:
Haha, not that I’d read it LOL, but stranger things have happened…
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bulldog said:
You have deviated from your mission? Your Friday posts are always of people of interest, now is this not “building human relationships, hearing all sides, recognizing the gifts of others, encouraging them to take a leap of faith to follow their dreams.” Gosh I think you under estimate the meaning you have to so many bloggers. So many that get so much from your posts… digging a hole and burying yourself, I don’t see it… you seem to me right on track with “igniting the power and passion in others” and talking community.. you are the master builder on the blog…
I see your comments on other peoples posts.. your encouragement, passion and support shine through .. and must be a huge help to some… Gosh, I think you are marvelous and in fact, stand in awe of your self confidence you expound not only in comments but in your very posts…
This post is outstanding, and you are a very gifted person that shines through, in everything you do publicly on this site and others…
I don’t think you’ve lost your MOJO…
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dianasschwenk said:
Wow! you speak healing words my friend! Thank you. I’ve slipped a bit in other areas. Writing about it here is as much a lecture to myself as it is (hopefully) encouraging to readers.
Thanks for your encouragement
xo
Diana
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bulldog said:
I always like to tell it as I see it.. some times it upsets others not… glad it didn’t upset you….cause I love your blog…
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you my friend!
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Louise Gallagher said:
Isn’t it amazing how we can be so insync — and not realize it, until we read another? I too have been experiencing this same angst — and here you were, with the words I needed to read.
thanks my friend.
Looking forward to that dance!
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dianasschwenk said:
Glad it touched you Louise! I once read that there is nothing that a hot bubble bath can’t solve… one could easily replace hot bubble bath with dancing the way that I see it!
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Jennifer S said:
This is my favorite post so far. And this message is so helpful for me… so clear-eyed and compassionate and perfect for moving forward. Thank you so much for writing this, Diana!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Jennifer for reading it and always dropping in to say hello and leave a comment. I really appreciate you and if I make any kind of difference, that’s just music to my heart!
xo
Diana
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jmgoyder said:
What an amazing post. Your integrity and honesty have me in awe. Diana, even if you help, encourage, support just one person – just one (and that’s me but also lots of others!) you can rest easy, knowing that you are gifted with a rare generosity of spirit. So now, you have to get a pizza, a bottle of wine and a dvd that makes you laugh. xxx
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you so much for your lovely words of encouragement Julie! Before I get a DVD though, I need to get a DVD player LOL! I am so archaic!
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jmgoyder said:
TV?
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dianasschwenk said:
yes a flat screen with HD even! (that I bought when my 20+ year old TV finally blew up about 2 years ago… 🙂
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Human In Recovery said:
Diana,
I’m so happy I had insomnia and my aching heart led me to see your tweet of this post in this moment in time. (((Hugs)))
Blessings,
Kina
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dianasschwenk said:
So glad you dropped by Kina! Sorry you are not sleeping, I hate when that happens!
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Human In Recovery said:
Meh. Thanks, me too.
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