Somebody I Used to Know
You know how you can have the music playing in the background and never “tune in” to all the chatter? Then all of a sudden, your ears hone in on a phrase, and you can't get it out of your head. Well, that's exactly what has happened to me with a song by an Australian artist. The simplicity of the intro notes invites you in, and the lyrics keep you engaged. The Belgian-Australian musician, Gotye, sings about a past lover, and the nature of love, but I find myself envisioning looking in the mirror and singing to my reflection.
As we celebrate Informed Woman Month, the image I see as I listen to these lyrics resembles somebody that I used to know, with glimpses of a brand-new me emerging.
Do you ever feel like that?
Who do you see when you look in the mirror?
I look at my reflection, and I ask:
Where did the little girl go with her Toni perm curls framing her shy little smile?
Where did the fiercely independent young woman go who could have been a stand-in for Marlo Thomas' “That Girl” TV character with her perky attitude and brunette flip?
Where did the PTA mom go who volunteered for everything from baking cupcakes to writing the booklet for the fundraising auction and racked up more miles than a Daytona 500 driver as a stay-at-home mom?
Oh, she's still here. She's somebody I used to know who is reinventing herself.
Yes, strange as it may sound from someone who is receiving AARP solicitations, I am reinventing myself. I'm reinventing on a daily basis. It's downright exhausting at times! And it is so exhilarating!
After three breast cancer episodes, two unsuccessful start-up companies, and moving halfway across this continent for gainful employment, I've acquired some coping skills to help me in my healing process as well as diffusing my stress level. Whether we are aware of the slow erosion or not, stress takes its toll on us with disastrous results. Tapping into my creativity is the way I keep my stress level down. Writing in my journal, playing with beads or paper crafts, and giving myself permission to explore new ways to create, I create my own happily ever after.
When I look in the mirror, I see somebody I used to know…and so much more. I see somebody I want to know and love!
I see that same twinkle in my eye of the mischievous child. I see the same grin of the perky young woman embarking on her career as a secretary. I see fingers grasping a pen or flying over a keyboard with words tumbling over each other everywhere and hear an inquisitive voice asking insightful questions culminating in an amazing body of work.
I am no longer the child, young adult, nor the young mother I once was. I see an articulate, compassionate, curious, playful, creative, and wise soul. I cherish my past and it has taught me so much. My life lessons are the soul stories I’m here to share.
I'm thrilled to be living my purpose helping Transformational Leaders discover their unique stories and becoming authors. I'm even more excited about my future because it is full of wonder and possibility.
When I look in the mirror, I see somebody I want to know.
Who do you see when you look in the mirror?
I understand what it's like not to recognize yourself in the mirror because everyone else in your life crowds out your own reflection. That is the reason I encourage you to pick up a journal and create a sanctuary for yourself within the pages. Writing offers you ways to reconnect with the person you want to see in the mirror.
If you’re longing to discover your soul story, book a time to chat today.
