Lost and Finding Joy

I have a picture on my office wall that says, “Be Yourself and Don’t Apologize.” I think about it all the time. Am I being myself? My Dad jokingly says that he’s been married to at least 3 different women, all of whom are my mother over the past 61 years. Kevin can say the same about me over the years. Our identities transform continuously. Over time I’ve assumed various roles such as wife, mother, legal assistant, business owner, real estate investor, and life coach. I’ve also added MiMi and blogger to my resume’. These titles contribute to our ego and identity, but do not encapsulate our true selves.

Am I being myself? I feel genuine when I’m interacting with others. I can honestly say that I am different around my grandchildren, than I am with adults. Adults would think I was crazy if I talked to them the same way I talk to my grandchildren. I’m also different when I am speaking as a life coach than when I’m having normal conversations with friends and family. I would run my friends off if I tried “life coaching” them all the time. So, what does it mean to be yourself and not apologize?

When we experience solitude or quiet moments, we connect more deeply with our true nature. However, how much time do we genuinely spend alone? We have our cell phones with us constantly distracting us with platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Facebook, Twitter (X), and so much more. It seems like we have to intentionally schedule some quiet time. These distractions become addictive and prevent us from recognizing our true identities. They also hinder genuine connections with others. Sitting alone with our phones or laptops creates an illusion of connection rather than physical interaction.

To be oneself, one must discover their true essence. We are more than the personas we have created. Understanding this concept would lead to greater peace, kindness, and love in this world.

The phrase, “and don’t apologize,’ is particularly impactful. People will judge you no matter who you are or what you are doing. Some will hate you because your light disturbs their darkness. People are blinded to their faults, but when you come around just being yourself, you may naturally expose those faults. Do not diminish yourself based on others’ opinions. Even if you feel there is nobody supporting you, remember, it’s not between you and them. It’s between you and God.

Find your solitude and find yourself. You may find it in nature, in the woods, on a beach, in a garden or flowerbed; or sitting quietly in your home. When I had my five young children at home with me, I found it in the bathtub, with the door locked,(when my husband came home ;). If you need to take some time off work, or find a babysitter, do that. Just find some time with no distractions. Just sit and “be” — be yourself and don’t apologize.

~Many blessings to you and yours!

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Be still and know that I am God – Psalm 46:10

Anyway Poem

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

(Inscribed on the wall of Mother Teresa’s children’s home in Calcutta.)
― Mother Teresa