I’ve been trying to eat a completely clean, healthy, diet these past few weeks. Only vegetables, fruits, and a little meat, as a way to feel good in my own skin, fluid, limber, and fully alive..
In some ways, it has worked beautifully. I feel great. I noticed, however, that at times the little girl in me pops up wanting ice cream, a hot dog, potato chips, a glass of wine, etc. Usually, I laugh at her: “Yup, you are a consistent little devil and you have always had a mind of your own.”
She is adorable and perfectly, gloriously, outrageous, and fun. She, however, is not the one I want running every aspect of my life. I refuse to do battle; inner war is still war. No peace can exist in such a place, and inner-peace is one of my highest values, so consequently I let her know that without a doubt there will be all of those things, just not now.
How do you deal when another side of your personality shows up? Do you recognize which ones appear for you? We are all different. I have my precocious child, my defiant adolescent, my naïve Sr. James Marie, and that stewardess who just wants every adventure imaginable.
Should all those pieces of us be integrated into this one well-developed adult? Sure, that sounds perfect. Frequently, they are. It’s how we function as grounded, reasonable, emotionally intelligent adults aware of who we are, our values, and our purpose. It’s how we are meant to live this journey.
Nonetheless, we are all human. The wounded little boy or girl shows up when least expected. The rejected lover comes out with no warning. The absolutely adventurous teenager shows up who “knows” he or she is invincible. They are all real, and all absolutely lovable.
For me the secret is, know when a glorious side of you has popped out of sync, don’t judge it, don’t hate you, and certainly don’t be embarrassed by it. Welcome to humanity. All those pieces make us, us. The bottom line is, who do you want to run the show? Who do you want running your business? Who do you want participating in your relationships? Decide who that is and go for it…….
Your preconscious child will have great outrageous ideas to bring a spark into life, your defiant adolescent may call you to step out of the box and become the leader in your industry, your version of the nun may call you to trust and rely on those who will be your greatest asset , and your version of the stewardess, may provide all the nerve, the audacity, and the adventure you need, to recognize there are no limits other than the ones you create.
This week, I wish you your best self, your most inclusive, developed, adult self. If, however, another aspect of you shows up, tell him or her I said “Hi”!
