Will the REAL YOU please stand up.

My friend’s fourteen year old daughter recently changed her identity. She dyed her blond locks to jet black–with the exception of one striking purple streak. And she threw away her pink, frilly attire for a plunging neckline basic-black look. Who knew that this little innocent girl had it in her…

It’s clear her mother doesn’t like it–this is not the little girl I raised. Maybe not, but I pointed out to her that at least her daughter is in touch with who she really wants to be (at least for this phase of her life!). And isn’t it great that she has the confidence and courage to express herself.

We all have opportunities to come out of the closet—not just gay people. Within all of us there are numerous identities and character-traits that we’re attracted to, but sadly, they never get to be told.

So, who are YOU meant to be? What is it about you that’s NOT being expressed and exposed to the world? Will the real YOU please come forward.

If you’ve been feeling  bored by who you’ve become in your everyday life, and you’re convinced that the person you see in the mirror everyday is the extent of your identity, then think again.

t that once lit you up, made you feel passionate, made you come alive? And more importantly:  Why have you given up on your dreams?

There are many facets to us, but sadly we don’t allow them to see the light of day.  We keep them locked up in our imagination, only to be dreamed about, and then wonder WHY we feel unfulfilled.

If you’re trying to find your passion in life, if you want to discover the wholeness of who you really are, the following exercise will get you started:

1.  What personalities (unknown or famous, past or present) are you attracted to? 

2.  Make a list of people who you wish you could be like.

3.  What are the qualities and characteristics of these people that light you up?

This is a great exercise because it taps into what’s ESSENTIAL about YOU.  It shines a light on the things you are attracted to doing, and who you long to BE in the world.  And it may just point you in the direction of your right life.

Whenever you are enthralled, excited, lit-up, delighted or even jealous of someone else and who they are BEING, now you’re getting some strong indicators of who you really are and what you may want to pursue.

I did this exercise myself.  Here is just a taste of who I’m attracted to….

Daniel Le Porte:  I love this woman, and I fantasize all the time about being like her.  Why? Because I used to think that in order to be self-realized I’d have to become a monk and renounce the pleasures of the world.  She makes self-realization sexy. She’s deep.  She’s an amazing writer.  She speaks powerfully.  She has influence.  And she exudes authenticity. I love her philosophy that you can be spiritually evolved AND affluent.

Susan Hyatt:  She’s happy, busy, and a go-getter.  She puts herself out into the world despite her fears.  I love the way she is doing lots of different projects in her coaching practice.  I couldn’t imagine ever being around this woman and feeling depressed.  That’s the spark she has on others.  She makes me want to be enthused about life.

Debbie Travis:  This woman knows how to transform a home.  She’s a talented painter and fixer-upper when it comes to houses (my secret passion).  She’s also a highly successful business woman, and she has one of the nicest, easy-going personalities.  I want to be like Debbie.

Diana Krall: I play piano, but not like this woman.  I love her voice and style.  I dream about singing and playing in a jazz club.

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodger:  They are all about romance, elegance.  Watching them is poetry in motion.  A perfect example of pure alignment.   Click Here to watch.

Chrissie Hynde:  I love her raunchy rock and roll music.  There’s a part of me that wants to play like her on stage.  What’s great about Chrissie is that she’s a very caring, nurturing mother in her private life.  But when she gets on stage, she brings out this other masculine side.  I love how she’s both feminine and masculine.  I know this personally, because I used to cook for her when she toured back in the late 80’s.

And last, but not least:

Martha Beck:  My mentor.  Brilliant coach, best self help writer on the planet, smartest person I know, and magical.

This is just a small taste of who I’m attracted to.    Can you see the themes emerging?

Writer, artist, dancer, speaker, inspirer, romantic, magician, elegant, self-realized, musical, business savvy, go-getter, happy, transformer, feminine, masculine, wealthy, powerful, dream-maker…

You’ll be amazed at what you discover about yourself.  You may feel silly comparing yourself to others, and you’ll say things like:  who am I kidding….they’re so extraordinary, and I’m so ordinary.  But press the mute button, and allow yourself to indulge in the things that light you up.  Go on…take yourself there, and Let Yourself Go, Because guess what?  Those very people at one time in their life said the same thing about their heroes.

Now it’s your turn…

Tagged as: attraction, Daniel Le Porte, Debbie Travis, dreaming, essential self, imagination, Martha Beck, Susan Hyatt