What defines you?
It’s a simple three word question with endless answer opportunities. Not to sound super “deep,” but there’s those times in life where we ask ourselves what am I made of? What am I known for? What do I want to be known for?
I find myself asking myself this question every so often and its caused some conflict within myself. Instantly when I ask myself this question I think about my mistakes. I think of all the times I’ve screwed up and all the times I’ve failed. Or, I think about how I’m not the skinniest person in the world or how I don’t have a flawless report card.
If this was someone else, I’d say “So what! Such minute things shouldn’t define you; you’re worth so much more.” But, when the person you’re saying that to is the person you see in the mirror it can be a whole different ball game.
Now, back to the question at hand…
What defines you?
Your character, your heart, your integrity, how you treat others. That is what defines you.
If you’re a good person, your size, age, race, religion, sex, or anything else of the sort is 100% irrelevant.
Not to contradict myself, but I don’t think everyone has to have just one definition. I feel like so many times in our life we’re known for just one quality when we really have so many more! It’s nice to be known for your awesome cooking skills, but are you just as recognized for your rapid forgiveness, your passion for justice, or the way you get up early and put the coffee pot on for your husband before he goes to work?
No matter how big or how small, each characteristic is just as valuable and just as precious.
The truth is each person is made up of trillions of cells, and just like those cells we’re made of trillions of qualities. Some of these qualities we won’t even recognize we have in our lifetime, but trust me, they’re there.
Bottom line: your worth is infinite.
Don’t be afraid to tap into your own potential and see what you’re made of. You might just be surprised at all you can do. You might even find another definition for yourself!
Question time:
Do you struggle with letting your past define you?
Any thoughts/comments on this topic?
I absolutely do allow my past to define me. I know I shouldn’t, but I do ! I always look at where I failed and that should make me learn from my mistake, and perhaps it does, but I still see myself as a failure, and not good enough. But, saying that, I do have some good qualities and I should focus on those and not think that I am such a failure as a person.
I guess we are all human 🙂
I need to allow myself to love myself and accept me for me.
Thank you for a lovely post as always Edye, and have a beautiful weekend. x
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It’s so easy to be hard on ourselves; especially in today’s world, Lynne! I’m so glad this post was an encouragement to you. Wishing you a beautiful weekend as well. Thanks for reading ❤
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It’s a shame we are all so hard on ourselves and see the bad in us, whereas see the good in other people! I agree we shouldn’t be defined by one thing – there are many sides to all of us! I’d just like to be seen as kind!
Amy xx
http://www.callmeamy.co.uk
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You are very kind, Amy! I’m so glad you stopped by and that this post resonated with you. Wishing you a marvelous Friday xx
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I love that quote about letting your past prepare you for who you are to become. It can be a process to not let it define you, but it is a beautiful thing to do. Thanks for sharing, and happy Friday!
Kathryn • simplykk.com
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Yes, it is! I’m so glad you stopped by and enjoyed the post, Kathryn. ❤
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I feel like I don’t struggle with letting my past define me but I DO struggle with not letting things go. Something to work on 🙂
Caitlin, Beauty & Colour
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Letting things go can be a very difficult thing to do. Thanks for reading, Caitlin! =)
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I love this post so much!! So positive and motivating 🙂
Wishing you a wonderful weekend 🙂
El xx
http://www.elsfashionfix.co.uk
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Thank you so much, El! Wishing you a wonderful weekend as well xx
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This is such a powerful post. I needed to hear these inspiring words today. That quote is perfect and will try to remember it. I did promise myself this year to give myself and others more grace. Thanks for the reminder.
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
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Thank you so much, Kathrine! Giving grace to others is something we’re always being reminded to do (and rightly so); but, I feel like we also need to be reminded just as much to give grace to ourselves. I hope you have a marvelous weekend ❤
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I really struggle with this question because I let my past control me when actually I am so much more than that! This was a really thought provoking blog post and I loved it xx
http://blossomofhope.blogspot.com/
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I’m so glad you liked the post, dear! You are so right; we are so much more than are past xx
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I definitely do struggle with letting my past define me, or letting my struggles define who I am. I think it is so important to remember for me at least that I am defined by being a child of God, and that is enough!
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You are so right! Being a child of God is more than enough! Thanks for stopping by, Lyss ❤
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Great post!! Love the quotes!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: FISHNETS AND RUFFLES
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Thanks so much, Mónica! xx
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Love this post, asks a great question. I think who we are evolves over time because often, life experience changes who you are or who you become. My past does help define me and is a part of who I am but not all I am.
http://www.robincharmagne.com/blog
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Thank you, Robin! I love your perspective! Allowing your past to guide you, but not consume your self definition is a beautiful thing. Wishing you a fantastic week ahead ❤
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Such a great post! As am I currently studying the bible I’m learning, more and more about grace, and how to be source of light to others. I think this is what our purpose should be…A light that helps shed light to others/
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
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Thank you, Vanessa! As it says in the Bible, we are a city on a hill and are called to be children of the light. Grace is such a beautiful thing! ❤
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What a wonderul post. I struggle with some past mistakes and feel like a failure at times. But this is spot on. That is my past, it is not who I am. Thank you for sharing this. I really needed to hear this today.
#turnituptuesday
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Thank you, Barrie! I’m so glad this post was an encouragement to you. You’re so right; out past is not who we are, but where we’ve been. Have a wonderful week!
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This is such a thought invoking post.
In addition to my own mommy blog, I run a FB page: Mommy’s Mid-Life Quest ( https://www.facebook.com/mommysmidlifequest/ ) and this post would be perfect to share on it. I have a spot open on the 27th in the morning so I’ll plan to share it then. Feel free to tell all your readers that I’m featuring you on my page.
Thanks for posting this on the Turn It Up Tuesday Link Party for me to find!
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Thank you so much, Zoe! I’m blown away and extremely flattered that you’d like to share my post on your FB page. One of the greatest rewards from running this blog is seeing my posts inspire others. You’ve made my day! ❤
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I look back on my life and say I sometimes think it depends on your age or where you are in life as to how you define yourself. Very great read! Thanks for sharing this at the DI & DI Link Party, we hope you found some new blog friends.
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Very true, Christine! Thanks for stopping by! ❤
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Yes, I do and it sucks! I’ve had a horrible childhood in terms of being bullied for years. I tend to think nothing good will ever happen to me instead of being positive. This post was great 🙂
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I’m so sorry to hear you were bullied! I can assure you that you’re life has amazing things in store. Hang in there, girl ❤
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Thank you so much ❤️ I’ve always had my own little things which have kept me going 🙂
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This is a really interesting thought to ponder. I think to often in my life I have let the believes and words of others define me. Just recently I have come to think about how I truly define myself. I don’t really know just yet but at least now I am looking to myself instead of other people.
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That’s wonderful that you’re looking to yourself to find your definition and not others. Thanks so much for stopping by!
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There is always the “woulda coulda shoulda” and while there are things I would do differently, I don’t regret my past actions and decisions. Those actions/decisions made me who I am today. We can only live in the present and for the future and make the best choices we can make in this world. I choose to be kind.
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Choosing to be kind is a wonderful decision! I try and learn from my past too. Sometimes, I just get so caught up in what yesterday contained that I forget that today is a whole new chance. Happy Friday!
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Love your post! It is so true that your past does not determine who you want to become.
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Thank you so much! I’m so glad you stopped by my blog.
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