“The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself.” – Lao Tzu
Many of us get caught up in playing roles that do not belong to us. We somehow come to believe that we have to play these roles for one reason or another. The challenge with playing the wrong role comes from the fact that we are all individuals who are born with natural skills and talents. They make us uniquely who we are.
When we veer from our own path by doing things from a sense of obligation, rather than inspiration, life becomes a struggle. We must strive to find the motivation that comes naturally when we are engaged in the actives that genuinely appeal to us. That is when our minds go into overdrive, often trying to learn what is wrong with us, or the world we live in.
The good news is that it is never too late to return to the role we were born to play. Perhaps you are a natural leader, but have always believed that you were unqualified for a leadership role. If there is a burning desire to lead, you will never be satisfied nor completely successful, until you honor your gifts. All manner of people and conditions will shift in your favor if you start honoring yourself as the leader that you are.
This is not just positive lip service. Often times we are the last person to recognize our gifts and make use of them. While we think it would be an extreme choice to go for our most lofty goals, the people around us will actually relax and treat us differently when we do.
As we find ways to step more fully into who we are, it encourages the people around us to do the same. When we are living in this way, it is natural to see the best in others, and to appreciate those qualities. As a result, those we appreciate feel inclined to bring out their best, and share what matters most to them.
I work with a fourth grade student who is a delight to be around. He has qualities, such as genuine concern for others, a winning smile, and a willingness to be true to himself, that set him part from most people I meet. There are some who see him as odd, because he is wise beyond his years. Nevertheless, he continues to be true to himself. This young man seems to pull the best out of me just by being who he is.
When I am around this student, I am reminded about the importance of being who I am. It is people like him that fuel me as I move through some of the more challenging situations I face each week. I feel inspired to be true to myself, regardless of the opinions of those around me.
When we do the things that ring true for us, we tap into a far deeper source of power than when we attempt to live off of the approval of others. It lights up the room and blesses those around us. The more we practice following our own inner compass, the more natural it will become. Soon, we will see that doing and being things that do not naturally fulfill us is not necessary. In fact, we might rob someone else of an opportunity to do their job more fully.
Set aside some time to reflect on your life. If you are feeling overly taxed or burned out in one area, check to see if you are playing your role properly. Perhaps you have some talents and skills that, when activated, will improve your situation with very little effort. If a change is required, it will happen naturally as you say, “yes” to being yourself. You will be amazed at how graceful life moves when you are playing the role you came to play.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also co-host of the popular radio show, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed, to find out more go to www.DarrellandEd.com. Visit www.TappingIntoGenius.com for more articles and a free, inspirational parenting download.