I Am Me

What struck me is the individualistic view shared "I am me..... everything about me is authentically mine"

I am me because of you.♡

Stated with compassion for each of us who live in societies that place so much emphasis on "individual responsibility" for fixing or figuring out. What about all the external impacts that deeply influence who that "me" is? What about familial, gender, cultural, societal norms that tell us stories about who we are supposed to be? What about ancestors whose traits we carry? What about traumas we've survived?

This is all to say, while embracing our beauty, grace, uniqueness & gifts, also honoring we are not created in a vacuum. ♡

I am me because of you.♡

Thank you, Kristin. I had similar feelings. We are all so intertwined, connected in ways that aren't always apparent in the moment. The pandemic brought that awareness to many, some for the first time, and I hope that learning is not forgotten.

I am me because of you suggests the possibility that without that other person, you are what - less than? Nothing? Makes me think of my narcissistic ex-husband. I believe what most attracted him to me was my naive willingness to put him front and center. These many years later, I firmly believe it is best to be your own self because that is who you are. Others may add to that, as you wish, but it is important not to permit others to diminish you.