Are you surprised that I’m back already, especially a day or so after posting my last article? Me too — It’s been a long time since I’ve done that!
I can’t explain it and I’m not going to even try but suddenly I feel inspired to share a new development with you this morning. Right now my brain is buzzing with pure delight – it’s one of those “high as a kite” kind of things except that it’s all natural. 
As I write, I’m staring out the window, watching glorious sunshine flood the entire valley with delicious rays of light. Thank you God!
As I prepare to move to Iowa, I’ve been going through my apartment, filling boxes with things I want to keep and throwing out the rest or giving them away to Goodwill. To my surprise, I’ve been asking myself questions like, “Do I really need to keep this?”
One of many trophies collected over the years
Just the other day, I gathered together a bunch of trophies I won from Toastmaster speaking contests over the years – you know, those cheap, breakable trophies that you can buy online for five bucks. I went to the walk-in closet and retrieved a couple that were coated with a thick layer of dust and set them along aside the more recent ones from last year (2008).
There they were, all lined up, awaiting their fate. I wish I had the presence of mind to take a photo of them but the one you see above will have to suffice. As I surveyed the trophies in front of me, I felt something bubbling to the surface of my consciousness. The words were unmistakably clear:
“Why do you even need to keep them? After all, half of them were sitting in the dark closet, collecting dust! And just who are you trying to impress anyway? Hardly anyone ever comments on them when they come to visit.”
Startled yet decisive, the executioner in me swiftly grabbed them in one fell swoop and threw them all in the garbage with a flourish. Boy, the resounding clatter that seemed to vibrate off the walls was exhilarating!
Almost as if in a trance, I marched with a strong sense of purpose back to the walk-in closet and went looking for my next victims. Within seconds, my eyes fell on a handful of awards I had won while at Merrill Lynch over a decade ago. Scattered throughout the closet were things like a fancy nameplate, a heavy silver platter that I won in a sales contest, an executive desk blotter and a heavy glass trophy in the shape of a pyramid.
Packing little by little
A smile immediately lined my face. I knew what I had to do.
One by one, as if collecting a bunch of logs for the fireplace, I cradled them in my arms and threw those in the “garbage box” too.
I know my Mom once told me I never had any problems getting rid of things that were no longer of use to me when I was a kid, but gosh, all those trophies and awards? I could just feel my ego trying mightily to hold onto them.
Now they are GONE, just like that (POOF)!
What do you think is happening here? I have a few theories but just for the fun of it, I’m going to leave this open-ended and invite you to join in on the conversation.
WAIT! WAIT! WAIT!
Before you do that, I can’t resist letting you in a secret conversation I had with a dear friend that might, just might, explain away my latest behavior.
To paraphrase her, she said, “Stephen, for the longest time your identity has been firmly rooted in your past accomplishments.”
“How do you know that?” I asked, slightly taken aback.
“Well, almost every time,” she continued, “when you write an introductory email to strangers, you manage to slip in there somewhere that you are a “former award winning stockbroker, blah, blah, blah.”
I tried to smile but all I could manage was to punctuate the silence with ugly sounds of fake coughing.
Sensing my discomfort, she went on, “Honey, not to dismiss those awesome accomplishments because they are truly astounding, but Stephen, those things are not who you are.”
Her timeless words simply hung in the air. I stared at her, my unblinking eyes trying to decipher the power of what she just said.
Repositioning myself in the lawn chair, (we were hanging out at a park on a beautiful sunny afternoon), I managed to blurt out a response, “Damn, you are right – that makes a whole lot of sense! Thank you!”
Jenni got me thinking. Anyone who goes through my archives here at Adversity University will notice that I have frequently mentioned past achievements when trying to make a point. What a revelation!
Was it because I was really trying to make a point? Or was it because subconsciously I was reminding myself and others of the things I’ve done so that I could continue to validate my self-worth while stroking my alter ego? Perhaps. Was it another way to sublimely promote myself as a motivational speaker? Once again, perhaps?
Who knows?
But right now two things have become very clear to me:
1. WHO REALLY CARES?
2. YOUR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS ARE NOT WHO YOU ARE.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Of course, I’m very proud of my achievements (and so are my parents who thought I’d never one day fly an airplane). And you should be too, especially if you had to overcome a lot to get there.
But the question still remains, do they represent the inner essence of who we really are?
What I’m quickly grasping here is that we are raised in society to extol our accomplishments because that’s what’s expected of us. If we want more of something, we better present our “credentials.” As convention thinking goes, you “need” a fabulous story lined up if you want more money, get on Oprah, receive better recognition, or land bigger business deals, to name a few.
But do we really need to do all of that?
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1:12 pm on June 16th, 2009 1
Very nice written article and to the point…!
It’s true I noticed you did that every time you wrote me e-mails: your logo at the bottom. Sometimes I felt it was kind of impersonal, not a personal e-mail from a friend, you know? But I did not take it too personally though
Your friend sure hit the target!
However, whenever I mention your name to my friends, I always include your past achievements. 
I guess it was my subconscious way of saying that deafies CAN do anything!
Anyhow, in your future introductions, how do you plan to “phrase” them without digging up your past “trophies”? Have you given it any thought yet?
Nita
10:52 am on June 17th, 2009 2
Dear Stephen,
Wonderful post. Shedding is a great word
like a metamorphosis.
When I think of you, I think about our country long ago
and how folks moved West BLAZING new trails.
You are blazing those trails in your life.
Thank you for the open way you are sharing
the stages.
XO XO
Deb
11:43 am on June 17th, 2009 3
I think you can add to your list of “achievements” the uncanny ability to read MY MIND.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately too. Defining myself by what I have accomplished in the past. Trouble is, having changed courses so many times, a lot of what I’ve “done” is not relevant to what I’m doing or hoping to do.
As so many wise sages say “stay in your moments” and I think that can be true of what we’ve accomplished as well. I just had an MRI this morning and my having kicked anxiety years ago came into play when my breathing got shallow and I got nervous. In this, I feel I am a person who overcame panic attacks. Sitting here at my office, thinking about my Polarity clients has nothing do with that part of my past.
It’s all relative, don’t you think? Sometimes, for me, when I’m feeling especially low it is helpful to pull out the trophies and remind myself how far I’ve come. I’m working at feeling that way simply with a breath and a smile from myself in the mirror. “NO TROPHIES NEEDED”
Thanks, as always. Patti
2:42 pm on June 17th, 2009 4
Stephen, as you choose to listen to your inner self, you know what feels right and you run with it. You do not question. It is wonderful to hear from you and sense your enthusiasm for life.
3:30 pm on June 17th, 2009 5
Dear Stephen -
From your post -
“Well, almost every time,” she continued, “when you write an introductory email to strangers, you manage to slip in there somewhere that you are a “former award winning stockbroker, blah, blah, blah.”
YOUR FRIEND IS WRONG!
All this woo-woo stuff is fine but unfortunately we have to live in an ego driven world.
Not necessarily believe in it but recognize it.
- And we have to make a living.
This includes building up a certain “authority.”
What’s wrong with your endorsement from Southwest Airlines?
Or your fantastic story of overcoming adversity?
You will come out of your new university experience as a new person but it does not cancel out your old experiences who all together make up the sum of who you are.
Don’t fall into this trap.
Throw out the awards from your closet – keep your history.
6:02 pm on June 17th, 2009 6
Hi Stephen! Thanks for the thought provoking post today. I’m in agreement with Corinne. We have our inner world and our outer world. No one can tell us our inner worth because that is inherent. In the outer world there are practical things we need like food, water, shelter, etc. and to earn a living and so we must have a balance and a respect for both worlds since our spiritual selves are here living in it for now. Don’t be too hard on yourself for having an ego, we all do! We need it to survive. Sounds like yours is in a healthy balanced state right now.
)
Cheerios!
Angela
5:54 pm on June 18th, 2009 7
Stephen:
I admire your courage to get rid of all that you did. I’m a pack rat, so it is difficult for me to let go, but I am getting there. Somewhat related to this, I broke a drinking glass a couple hours ago…it was one my favorite glasses because it reminds me of some good times that I had in the past. I also like the design. But the Buddhist in me realizes that nothing is permanent and that I need to let it go and try my best to not get attached to these things.
11:54 am on June 19th, 2009 8
I have problems getting rid of stuff too, but this is usually just stuff that I collect because I think that it will be of use to me, such as a broken compressor that I have been meaning to fix for the past 2 years
On the topic of your post though, I think you bring up some really important points. So often, people associate who they are with their awards or accolades from others and I think focusing on being a good person can be so much more rewarding…
4:42 am on June 21st, 2009 9
Stephen, in re-reading your post, one thing that stands out is, human beings brainwash themselves into believing they have to do certain things to feel worthy, accepted and more accomplished. In truth, as you move beyond that, you realize you are successful as you are. You are worthy, talented and have lots to offer right now. If you choose to build on that, obtain new training, it is your prerogative. Yet, is does not make a person more lovable. What adds meaning is how you enrich the lives of others. Having the intention and compassionate motivate matters. Just knowing you is a blessing, Stephen. You prompt meaningful self-reflection.
4:46 am on June 21st, 2009 10
Stephen, in re-reading this post, something that stand out concerns a widespread misunderstanding. Many people believe they only become worthy if they continue to do more of something. In truth, everyone is worthy as they are. You can choose to take on new training, to challenge yourself and continue learning, and such things can add meaning and dimensions to your life. Yet, to enrich the lives of others can be done in many ways. To love and value others is to love and value yourself. Self-love and uncondtional self-acceptance are always within reach. You can simply decide to be happy as you are.
12:01 am on June 22nd, 2009 11
Hey Stephen,
It’s pretty amazing how we sometimes hold on to our trophies (figuratively or literally!) as if we were afraid that we’re not capable of repeating our past feats, as if our essence and strength was contained within these physical representations of our achievements.
Vitor
12:59 pm on June 25th, 2009 12
Stephen, our history makes us who we are today. Our trophies are just the outer recognition that our ego enjoys. Trophies or lack of trophies don’t tell us who we are inside. Without our history, we would be someone else.
You can throw away the trophies. You can change your reaction to your history but you can’t change your history itself.
10:08 am on June 30th, 2009 13
@ Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker:
Good points – it’s true that you can’t change history – very true but you don’t have to be attached to them or tie your identity to what you did in the past. Winning those trophies/contests is not “Who I am” but more of “What I did.”
It was actually quite liberating to throw away those trophies. It doesn’t mean I make light of the occasion that brought me those trophies but it’s a way for me to shed the alter ego. Having those trophies around do not enhance my life or those of others so why keep them? It only serves as a memory and I’ve got my brain for that (plus a few newspaper articles, etc).
10:14 am on June 30th, 2009 14
@ Vitor – The Fractal Forest:
That’s what I’m beginning to realize. Once I decided/realized that I was identifying who I was based on my past achievements, I made a decision to get rid of anything that only served to clutter up my home. All that’s important is that I know I achieved them. The only exception to this is when I market myself to potential clients who make their hiring decisions based on your achievements.
10:16 am on June 30th, 2009 15
@ Liara Covert:
Excellent observation Liara. Thanks for sharing your inner wisdom, knowledge and intelligence. Your comments always seem to ring a bell in me.
10:21 am on June 30th, 2009 16
@ Liara Covert:
I’m so glad you felt inspired enough to re-read this blog post because once I read a book or an article, I usually don’t re-read it. Haha. Thanks!
Well, I know there is a much larger purpose in all of this. I must have been responding to an internal shift inside me that prompted me to go forward on this new educational journey because otherwise I doubt the “shedding of the ego” situation would have come about at this time. All of this is happening for a reason and I’m very excited about it. I’m taking yet another leap of faith into the unknown, having now idea what will transpire and that’s what makes everything a bit more exciting.
Truth be told, I have been a penchant for change. I seem to make changes every 7 years or thereabouts. They say change is sometimes scary but good. We’ll see what happens in the next few months when I’m starting school in the middle of no-where!
10:30 am on June 30th, 2009 17
@ Jacob:
Haha, that’s funny Jacob – a broken compressor. Well, you know, I once kept a bunch of suits I used to wear while on Wall Street because I thought I would lose enough weight to fit in them again. But they kept collecting dust until one day I decided that some young man could make better use of these pricey suits so I gave them away to my church.
It’s hard to get rid of stuff that we perceive as having monetary or sentimental or even practical value when in reality it’s none of those.
Like I mentioned in the article, my Mom once told me I had no problem getting rid of stuff that I no longer had any use for so I must have been like this most of my life. On occasion when I’m about to throw something out, I feel hesitant for a second but that would usually pass and out the door it goes!
10:32 am on June 30th, 2009 18
@ Tim:
Thanks Tim – I know how you felt when that glass broke. I find it fascinating that we humans have a tendency to get attached to things. I knew someone who kept every single newspaper she read throughout her own life! She had a room full of old newspapers – imagine that!
Your comment is very translatable because I suspect a lot of people like to hold on to things that remind them of the good times in the past.
10:39 am on June 30th, 2009 19
@ angela miele:
Yes, Corrine has a very interesting point – it’s true that we live in an ego-driven world. That’s why when I market myself I’ll use those history achievement pointers to get potential client’s attention. No doubt about that.
But like she said, “get rid of the trophies” but keep the history – that’s what I plan to do indeed.
Like you said, it’s about having balance and that’s what I seem to be doing as I go through my stuff and get rid of what I perceive to be nothing but clutter and does nothing to enhance the energy of my home, where ever that might be.
10:48 am on June 30th, 2009 20
@ Corinne Edwards:
I thought the closing of your comment was very powerful indeed, “Throw out the awards from your closet – keep your history.” Very good! That’s exactly what I’m doing indeed.
With regards to what my friend said, I have to disagree with you there because she was talking about me introducing myself to new friends, not business acquaintences. For example, introducing myself to potential friends at school. They do not need to know upfront that I used to be an award winning stockbroker, the first deaf instrument pilot, etc. etc. That’s because I don’t want them to develop their friendship with me on that basis alone.
Okay, let’s put it this way. If you were fabulously wealthy and you were looking for a new friend or date, would you tell them right away you were of such wealth? I’m betting your answer would be “NO.” Why? Because you want them to like you for WHO YOU ARE, not for your money or your achievements.
That was the best analogy I could think of. I know firsthand when I meet new people who I intend to be friends with, if I told them all upfront that I was all of what I did in the past, they end up becoming intimidated. I’m not kidding!
Yes, it’s inevitable people will find out I did all of what I’ve done and that’s fine but only until after they get to know me first. That’s my goal.
My friend was referring to my emails to potential students and professors at the university. It isn’t necessary for them to know right away.
Let me give you one last example. When I was working at an airport in the 90′s as a way to pay the bills in between speaking gigs, I never told my fellow employees what I used to do. One day one of my buddies at the airport heard me on the Mitch Albom Radio Show (he’s the best-selling author of “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “Five People You Meet in Heaven”). He came up to me, wide eyed and impressed saying, “Dude, you were a former stockbroker? I never knew that!” Right then and there he felt proud to be my friend rather than intimidated because he already knew the essence of who I was FIRST.
Make sense?
Okay, I’m done with my case. Haha.
10:53 am on June 30th, 2009 21
@ Liara Covert:
Yes, I sure have enthusiasm for life, don’t I? How could I not? It was why I was born. To spread it around for others to take a sampling of it. It’s part of my inherent nature. People pick that up right away – even you and you’ve never met me!
11:03 am on June 30th, 2009 22
@ Patricia (Patti):
Haha, well, it seems that you send out strong enough signals to the universe that need some kind of response and perhaps in a strange, powerful, mysterious sort of way, I subconsciously pick up on that and end up writing something you find helpful. Isn’t that something? You’ve done that for others, no doubt about that. It’s because we’re all so connected.
There’s nothing wrong with changing course, no matter how many times you’ve done it. I’m of the viewpoint that change is actually good. Of course, it’s different from a person who is wishy-washy and changes the mind from one thing to the next relatively quickly. But still, everything is perfect the way it is – I think when a person is changing course, it’s because a way is being found to the ultimate destination, whatever that is.
Of course, we don’t want to dismiss whatever we did in the past but not become bound by it. According to scientific fact, we are literally different people today then we were a year ago. Our bodies are not the same and I’m not talking about losing or gaining weight. I’m talking about the cellular structure and all that. So as we change internally, our life changes along with it.
Yes, it’s all relative, indeed Patti – no doubt about it. When I wrote this article, it was not meant to be a blanket statement where everyone should throw out their trophies. But it was something I had to do because it’s part of the “shedding of the snake skin” kind of thing and emerging into the light a different, lighter being without the trophies, so to speak.
I found it pretty fun to actually have the fortitude to say “Goodbye” to them without worrying too much what others might say about it. It was cathartic – that’s the word I was looking for.
11:05 am on June 30th, 2009 23
@ Deb Estep:
Yes, exactly – a metamorphosis is actually what I was looking for when responding to Patti’s comment a moment ago. That’s it! I’m going through a metamorphosis as a result of some “spring cleaning.”
It’s a ritual I seem to go through especially when I’m about to make some big changes with my life. It’s an act of cleansing. Yes, that seems to be fitting.
An act of cleansing or even purfiying. It’s a way of clearing out old, musty energy and making way for new.
11:38 pm on July 13th, 2009 24
Sometimes you let go because you want to; sometimes you let go because you have to. I guess either way it’s the same lesson if you’re paying attention…
9:58 pm on July 14th, 2009 25
A complimentary view to those presented is that everything you have every thought, felt or done contributes to who you sense you are and how you perceive now. All experience is very meaningful.
5:44 am on July 20th, 2009 26
I totally agree with you. Loved the title and these two statements are just as compelling:
“1. WHO REALLY CARES?
2. YOUR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS ARE NOT WHO YOU ARE.”
At the end of the day, it’s who you truly are, values and your character defines who you are and not these tangibles which will ultimately land in trash.
2:59 am on July 29th, 2009 27
well, i have a different perspective over here about it.. i didn’t read the comments that were posted.. but i do read your post and i think that…our credential shows what we have achieved in the past… they tells a lot about us without saying a single from mouth… they tells your hard work that you’ve done in achieving them, they also tell that how you topped others in the queue at that time… but throwing them in trash is something that disappointed me… an achievement souvenir worth a penny is more important than a precious piece of gold… because that one penny achievement prize will reflect your hard work… which a gold piece can never do… even if it try.. sorry pal but its my opinion
3:04 pm on July 29th, 2009 28
@ Rick-Deals:
Thanks for sharing your opinion – I welcome a diversity of comments even if they don’t concur with my own as long as it’s done with respect, honor and integrity – all of which you did beautifully.
Hats off to you for telling me what you think – I’m at a different stage in my life which led me to shuck those trophies and not feel as if I were losing something. It’s neither good or bad. Some people have ribbons, trophies and other types of awards all over their homes and feel proud of it. Nothing wrong with that at all.
3:05 pm on July 29th, 2009 29
@ Spine Care:
It’s interesting to see a variety of different opinions on this subject. Thanks for lending us your thoughts!
3:06 pm on July 29th, 2009 30
@ Liara Covert:
Even if some experiences are different from those of ours. I love hearing what others have to say about the art of shedding the alter ego. Some perceive what I did as healthy while others thought it was unfortunate – people have different perceptions based on their own life experiences and it’s all good!
12:39 am on September 14th, 2009 31
Possessions are possessions are possessions…you can’t take ‘em with you when you die- it’s a real sense of freedom to get rid of them. Now- if I could just get rid of my warehouse full of stuff….Any who = No-one can take away the experiences of the past, and your achievements have become part of who you are now! So live life in the moment, and enjoy the Bliss of the present. RVR Fairfield, IA.
12:50 am on October 10th, 2009 32
Its indeed incredible that how we sometimes hold on to our trophies (figuratively or literally!) as if we were afraid that we’re not capable of repeating our past feats, as if our essence and strength was contained within these physical representations of our achievements.
Thanks
9:53 pm on October 28th, 2009 33
Hi Stephen,
This is my first time to your blog, but I want to say that its well done blog, I learned some tips from your layout.
Also I agree the shedding is a good thing, I have moved, wait for it….13 times in the last 10 years!! I have just recently finished unpacking from out latest relocation, and we also get rid of stuff when we move, but man am I over it.
Cheers
Anna
10:16 am on November 25th, 2009 34
I think it was quite brave of you to share your experience. Generally, trophies and reminders of past accomplishments have always given me comfort, however it is often short-lived. I had a similar realization and at some point I felt that I no longer needed these reminders and jettisoned them similarly. It’s a great, invigorating feeling.
3:32 pm on December 29th, 2009 35
A move is a great way to get rid of clutter, but too bad all those awards and trophies cannot be recycled and are now going to sit in a dark landfill for thousands of years. I’m sure some future archaeologist will dig them up and realize you must have been some religious deity of some kind
Stephen Hopson you name will be known through the ages.
5:13 pm on December 31st, 2009 36
Hi Stephen,
. Happy New Year. av8erPrince.
Very interesting post indeed. The funny thing here is that you got rid of your “past achievements” voluntarily, and in my case, they were taken away from me by the act of fate (or destiny). Both the material trophies, and the not-so-material ones as well. And here am I, sitting, with absolutely nothing with me or on me, and thinking about a fresh re-start.
And, what’s even funnier than this, is the fact that this is my second time in my life, where I am in this situation. And what I know is, that the next time around, I will be even better than the last 2 times. And why I know this, is because I have seen it happen in the past, and now I read this same thing in your post.
By the way, maybe you should write another post soon, cause I keep coming back for more, and you are not feeding me fast enough
5:39 am on February 8th, 2010 37
When I was a teenager and college student, I won a pile of trophies, from both performance and academic pursuits.
One of the trophies was the largest the school awarded. It was called the All Crusader Award given to the graduating student who displayed what was deemed at that time all round excellence.
Like your closet trophies, my trophies were taking up space, and were actually a large part of how I viewed myself.
Then it was time to get married. I had fallen in love with a wonderful woman (now 30 years married to her), and immediately after the wedding she asked me to get rid of my past lives, so that we could march into the future together.
So, I did. I took all of my trophies, filled up a couple 64 gallon drums and set them out on the sidewalk.
I can’t deny that when I heard the truck load those trophies as junk into their vehicle I had some feeling of sadness, but that quickly passed.
With that, Linda and I made a vow not to live in the past, but in the present. That has become 30 years of glorious presents, and I am so grateful that I made that choice, giving our relationship a brand new start.
So, I understand what you were going through with your trophies.
And, you too made the right decision.
Thank God for the wisdom of our respective wives.
Congratulations.
Stetson
ToysPeriod is a leading online shop specializing in lego sets and model railroad equipment.
12:20 am on February 10th, 2010 38
@ Stetson:
Congratulations! So glad you took action and did what felt right. Obviously you did the right thing by shedding the past and moved on by taking symbolic action, which was getting rid of those trophies, in order to move forward. Awesome! Thanks for the affirmation that I, too, made the right choice.
12:32 am on February 10th, 2010 39
@ CFI:
This reminds me of the phrase that goes something like this: “There are always second chances.”
BTW, sorry I’m not “feeding you fast enough” with new articles. I know I’ve not written one since last year. I’m in grad school now and hardly have time to write articles that often require many edits before I allow it to be published. The good news is I’m graduating in June of this year (2010) so I will have more time to get back to the art of writing again.
9:21 am on May 19th, 2010 40
I just came across your blog today. WOW, I`m really impressed with the content.
Keep up the work Stephen Hopson.
9:05 am on June 3rd, 2010 41
I will like to agree and disagree with you. Firstly, I appreciate the fact that you took up the issue and decided to actually write something on it. Its a very difficult topic, and slipping even a centimeter makes it difficult to convey what you want to. But I find you being too trivial. You lay too much stress on what you were and what you wish to be. While that is a very common thing to do, it is also a big error. Looking for respite and solutions is okay, but more than outside help, you need to look into your own self. Its not about what makes up your identity, its about what you make of whatever you get. I feel you are too stuck on your identity. Even in the act of dropping away your trophies, you are not giving up, but rather giving in to something new. I feel you should loosen up and let go of anything you have, and concentrate more on right now, even as you read this comment.
4:06 pm on July 31st, 2010 42
I sincerely wish more people were as decisive as you in de-cluttering their homes. My family is notorious for being pack rats. As they say in Hollywood – “You’re only as good as your last movie.” That echoes the same theme you described. These tangible material things do not define who you are. That simple statement can release many of us from the shackles of trying to cling onto meaningless items. Thanks for a great article and lesson!
10:20 pm on August 11th, 2010 43
Stephanie – haha. Well, that’s funny – “You’re only as good as your last movie.” Very clever! Here’s an idea but I don’t know if it’ll work. Just clean up after yourself and show how happy you are with a clean room and see if that rubs off on the others in your household. When they see you tossing out old trophies, ribbons and so forth, see how they react. I’ll bet it’ll be hilarious.
10:54 pm on August 12th, 2010 44
Well. Your post is hitting pretty close to home for me. Ouch.
I’ve been puzzling over how I define myself and how that definition doesn’t seem to be the one anyone else is using. And the dissonance of it has been bugging me. Mostly because I want everyone else to see me through the lens of my “past accomplishments” and that’s ridiculous. I may have tossed my trophies years ago, but I’ve still been dragging them around in phantom form.
Time to do some painful cleaning of my subconscious closet, I guess.
8:16 am on August 14th, 2010 45
Chris, I’m glad nature brought you to this article to help you do what your inner spirit is asking you to do. Yes, it’s painful but it’ll be worth it in the end. It’s painful because your intellect (ego) doesn’t want to let those things go. At least that’s been my experience. Thanks for sharing.
5:43 pm on April 7th, 2011 46
My friend just sent me a link to this article, i’m blown away! Great article.