In the intricate dance of life, we often introduce ourselves with mere labels – names, professions, roles. Yet, who we truly are transcends these surface-level descriptors. The essence of our being is a complex tapestry woven from experiences, emotions, and aspirations.
I am Mariela Georgieva. At 55 years old, standing tall at 178 cm. As for my weight - well, it's just a number 😊 I have three higher educations, a bunch of certificates. I am a mother of two sons like canaries. A grandmother of three granddaughters. A former military and former police officer. At the moment, I'm making public the fact that I have always been writing (well, since I learned to write).
This is usually the way we introduce ourselves when asked who we are. But the name, the age, the weight, the education, the many social roles we fulfill - profession, mother/father, grandmother/grandfather, brother/sister, uncle/aunt, and so on - are nothing more than qualifying labels - a way to be found more quickly in the catalog of the world.
"Who am I?" echoes Adriana, the protagonist of my book, "The Faces of Unborn Butterflies". She screams the question with all the might her lungs are capable of, but the world remains silent.
Who am I? I am definitely not my physical envelope, which with a little more willpower or money, I can change and shape as I please. Rather, what I am is built from sensations, emotions, values, knowledge. But I am not even that. I am the consciousness of everything that builds me and that I create. Because I am not my mind. I use the mind I have. I am not my pain, joy, sadness. I feel them. I am not faith. I cultivate faith. I am not love. I discover, give, keep, sculpt love. I am not a soul. I simply have one.
We are not defined by our physical attributes or societal roles. Instead, we are the culmination of our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. We are the curators of our own journey, navigating through the complexities of life with courage and curiosity.
In the pursuit of understanding oneself, one often embarks on a journey of self-discovery, delving into the depths of one's soul to unearth hidden truths and untapped potentials. This journey is not always easy; it requires courage to confront the parts of ourselves we may not want to acknowledge, as well as resilience to navigate the twists and turns along the way.
Self-discovery is not a linear path but rather a labyrinth of self-exploration, where we encounter both light and shadow, joy and sorrow. It is through embracing these contrasts that we come to truly know ourselves, recognizing the unique blend of strengths and vulnerabilities that shape our identity. Sometimes we know who we are, but more often we seek ourselves throughout our lives, because what I am changes over time and space, but somehow remains the same in its core.
In my own exploration of self, I've come to realize that self-identity is not static but rather fluid, evolving with each new experience and revelation. It is a process of continual growth and introspection, a journey of self-acceptance and self-love. Self-love, in particular, plays a crucial role in the quest for self-identity. It is the foundation upon which we build our sense of worth and belonging, allowing us to embrace our flaws and imperfections with compassion and kindness. Without self-love, we risk losing sight of our true selves, succumbing to the pressures of society's expectations and internalizing the judgments of others. Like my protagonist, Adriana, through her experiences, she learns that true self-identity cannot be found in external validation or societal norms but rather from within, through introspection and self-awareness.
Discovering oneself is a deeply personal journey, unique to each individual. It requires courage to embark on this path of exploration, as well as humility to accept oneself fully, flaws and all. Yet, it is through this journey that we uncover the beauty and complexity of our true selves, embracing our uniqueness and celebrating the richness of our humanity.
For instance, you already know my name, my profession, my education, and my social roles. You can even guess my weight from the fact that I'm not saying it 😊 But who I am is hidden in the pages of this book that strips my soul bare.
P.S. Go to "Book Teasers&More" to get a glimpse of Adriana's self-discovery journey....
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