I recently came across the fascinating story of Betty Reid Soskin through doing a series about finding her voice.  The piece I saw opened with her saying, “I have been so many women, it’s hard to remember all of them.”  it’s true on so many levels. Too often we become stuck in this version of ourselves and we have no clue who we are.  She shared that she had a mental break down at 40 and started singing songs and that she had been discovered a number of times, that she didn’t become a park ranger until she was 85 years old, and that at 101 years old she now feels as if she is starting over.  Think of the lifetimes we live.  In that context, think again, Betty says, “I have been so many women, it’s hard to remember all of them.”  How simply poignant and prophetic?  We can redefine who we are at any time.  I often speak of finding ourselves and creating a foundation and I guess I never gave much thought to the longevity of that.  Yes, I’ve also spoken of the importance of evolving and keeping up and staying true to our course, but even that, I guess, is still too rigid because it suggests finding a box to belong in at any given time.  There are so many miracles and wonders in life, we never know what is going to happen in the big picture.  We need to constantly exist in flex and trust that it’s all for the good

There is no need to stress about what’s happening in any given moment, there is no need to remain stuck in what other people tell us we are, there is no need to wallow in the emotion of what other people “make” us feel.  It’s all temporary.  I still don’t think we have an awareness of how much of our own suffering we create, how much we trap and limit ourselves.  We can decide to change that course at any time.  We do not need to define ourselves with or by temporary people and their opinions.  Keep sight of the bigger picture and learn to operate from there without the noise of others.  It’s important to know that our purpose can change as well.  As we adapt and become who we are meant to be in whatever season we are in, we will continue to “become.”  I’m learning very clearly that not everyone is for us, not everyone will even like us.  And that is ok.  It isn’t about being liked.  It’s about liking ourselves.  Change as often as necessary.  Each version will be true to ourselves as long as we follow the calling of what speaks to us.  Follow the whims and curiosities and see how they weave together in a beautiful story that makes our lives. 

The point is life begins at any time, don’t be afraid to start over.  We decide what we want this life to be.  We decide how we want to feel and we can start afresh in any given moment.  We can lean into how we want to feel and ask ourselves if it aligns with who we are, and we can shift course at any time.  It takes a massive amount of strength and will-power, but it is more than possible.  We don’t want to attach because nothing is permanent.  We don’t want to define because we are so many things.  Time is generous if we allow it to be and if we follow the presence of where we are.  We aren’t here to live for others, we are here to fulfill a purpose, and yes, that purpose should benefit others, but it isn’t FOR them, it is the expression of the universe through us.  It requires an allowing of the true versions of us to come through.  It doesn’t matter what season we are in, we can adapt or shift as necessary.  Find our voices and use them.