Each of us carries a self-image in mind and heart. I attach to myself certain adjectives, strengths, weaknesses, and other personality traits. I carry a particular view of how I think others see me. I automatically put myself in some categories but not in others.
Some of the toughest reimagining has to do with the way we view the self. And yet, that’s precisely the reimagining we often need the most. How many times and in how many ways have we been held back from claiming our beauty and our gifts because those aspects of ourselves did not fit the image we held so tightly?
What aspect of that self-image could use some reimagining?
Would it help for me to picture myself as the age I am rather than the age I used to be? Sometimes I think that my dissatisfaction with my physical self is rooted in my image of myself from years ago. Sometimes I’m frustrated with my lower energy because I think I should be able to keep the pace of a 30-year-old. Am I willing to carry an image of myself as the 60-something I am right now?
Can I adjust my list of strengths and abilities to fit the reality of all I have learned and developed through the years? Is it accurate for me to think of myself as mainly introspective and private, even though I have learned great people skills and function well in situations that call for conversation and networking? Should I still see myself as slow with technology even though I am now quite proficient with multiple software systems and social media formats?
Is it time to own the good work I’ve done as a parent, sibling, spouse, or friend? We are quick to remember the failures and shortcomings but too quick to forget the effective conversations, the acts of charity and forgiveness, and the love we have offered.
Dare I call myself an artist or minister—with or without a steady paycheck or a title? If I process my life by writing poetry or stories or reflections, then I have every right to call myself a writer—whether or not I’ve ever published or am known for writing. I may never have a degree after my name or become ordained as deacon, pastor, or priest; nevertheless I nurture and help the souls of others in many ways—and people recognize those gifts and respond to them.
- In what ways has your self-image changed or been reimagined?
- What makes such reimagining difficult?
Photo by Mert Kahveci on Unsplash.
Thanks Vinita for this ‘Reimagine Me’. One is made aware of the immense possibilities and fresh opportunities to be grateful for the current state of one’s pilgrimage on earth. Praise be God – the Giver of life.
Dear Vinita, I love to read your posts and own SMALL SIMPLE WAYS. You always, always, always have something to say to me. I thank you for that and hope that you get satisfaction knowing that you teach, inspire, motivate and help others to grow closer to Jesus. I know from experience how you have helped me in my journey. God bless you.
This touched me and definitely gave me something to think about. Thank you.
Thank you, Vinita, for your wisdom and understanding. I am in my early eighties but still think I should function like I did in my fifties. Time for a reimagining. God bless.
Me too. I’m also early eighties and still think I should function as I did much earlier in life
. But never thought of remaining before , but after reading this it makes so much sense.
God’s blessings with you Marian
Thank you, Vinita. As a semi-retired woman religious, I have learned to recognize my gifts and am grateful when someone when others do so as well. Of course, I am able to recognize my weaknesses, however, I try not to dwell on those too much.