How do you define yourself?

Do you ever ask yourself "Who am I?" Have you ever tried to describe yourself without labels or titles? Quite often our response to "Who are you?" is described by what we do.

Think about it.

Relationship titles like Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister, Friend, Husband, Wife, Daughter, or Son. Our job titles.

Labels are based on race, gender, relationship status, economic status, group affiliations, or the type of work we do.

All of these things, I believe, come from our desire to belong. It seems a little ironic to me, that on one hand we desire to belong and on the other hand, we desire to be loved and liked for who we are not what we do.

Think about it.

In my own journey to answer the question, Who Do I Think I Am? I have come to realize a huge missing link. If thoughts create our reality and thoughts are the basis of our feelings, then yes, I need to change my thoughts and reactions. But so many thoughts are subconscious and instantaneously followed by reactions and feelings, then where do I start?

How do I find the balance of wanting to belong while being loved and liked for who I am? I can't change my experiences and survival techniques that were learned in the past. The habits and routines that seemingly worked for me. Just the thought of it is overwhelming and monumental.

The bridge or the missing link between thoughts creating your reality or feelings and experience is WORDS. Simply examining the words we use and how we define them can lead to a path of change.

When we look at our own mode of communication it can take the feelings and emotions out of the daunting task of change. It creates a pathway of self-discovery and awareness of how powerful our mind really is. It brings us out of our past into the present moment and teaches us to use words not to judge but to inspire and empower ourselves. Those three factors; awareness, present moment, and non-judgment are the key components to mindfulness.

I define mindfulness as the tool I need to change the way I think. It teaches my brain new tricks in my pursuit to answer the question, "Who do I think I am?" I guess you could say it brings new meaning to my life.

How do you define yourself? How do you define mindfulness? Let me know what you think!