Authentically Adele

In the whirlwind of life’s demands, it’s easy to lose sight of our true selves without realizing it. We become entangled in the web of titles, assuming these roles define our essence. I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a teacher… the list goes on.

Yet, some of these roles and titles are linked to specific places or circumstances—our job, our home, our church, etc. One day, amidst the ever-changing landscape of my roles, it struck me that who I am at my core should not depend on where I find myself. This realization led me to a profound question: Who am I?

If I were to peel away every title and role I cling to, who would remain? For a moment, I found myself at a loss for an answer, as my mind at once transported me back to my single days, making me acutely aware of how much I had changed. Have I lost sight of who I am, or am I merely an evolved, mature version of my former self? Have life experiences added to or taken away from the essence of my being?

It is an identity crisis that pervades our world today. What happens when we identify ourselves solely by our titles and roles and then struggle or fail in those areas? It feels like we have failed ourselves, let ourselves down, and lost fragments of our true selves.

Yet, amidst this turmoil, I want to remind you—no, I want to remind myself—that our titles and roles do not define us. We are so much more than the labels we wear. The core of our being, our true identity, should remain steadfast and unwavering, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. I am talking about character and personality, for these fundamental aspects of who we are go hand in hand.

So, let us not be consumed by the ever-changing nature of our roles. Instead, let us strive to discover and embrace the essence of who we are beneath it all. Let us nurture the qualities that make us unique and genuine, for these are the foundations upon which our true selves are built. In the depths of our character lies the key to our authenticity; through this lens, we can navigate the maze of life, staying anchored to our identity.

Let us remember that we are not defined by what we do or where we are but by the richness of our souls, the kindness in our hearts, and the depth of our spirits. Embrace who you are at your core, for that is the most beautiful and enduring part of your being.