Monday, October 29, 2007

Who Am I? From the Sublime to the Sensual and Back Again

There are two great sins in this world: one is interfering with one's own growth and the other, is not allowing someone to find something out him/herself. All of us at one time or another have felt, in some way, like telling someone else about our own experiences, hoping that we may save them the despair, pain and suffering that we have endured ourselves while in a similar situation. As a grown-up, I have learned that all will be revealed in its proper time, within its own circumstances. Growth cannot ever be overrated, but can be misunderstood. Sometimes, a warning is necessary.

How, one might ask, does this revelation have to do with the title of the post that is set forth above? Our experiences are certain to change most of us, in one way or another, sometimes for the better, and others, not so much so. Pain can be the touchstone for growth, but often it can also allow us to remain stuck in a particular place, which can be filled with despair.

Each of us has his/her own personal hell, that which might cause a harsh pain and consequently, we retreat into a place where we do look for problems and not solutions. Over these past two years or so, there have been a few events in my life that have caused this to happen, where I became overwhelmed by the circumstances of what was happening, and to a large extent, allowed myself to forget who I am, as a person, and a woman. So here, I am once again, making the best effort to remember who I really am despite all that has occurred:

Labels are a nice, neat way to describe ourselves, and often, like a resume, we present to an employeer, we are painted in the best of all possible lights. Let me dispense then with the labels, outright.

I am a woman who has two bachlor of arts degrees, a master's degree and a law degree. I have been practicing law now for more than 20 years, and in the same field nonetheless. I speak two languages fluently, and have written something that has been published during my lifetime. (this is the form.)

Now, for the real substance. For one, I am a woman who loves to write, to think, to engage in good conversation and debate. Moreover, exercising particularly walking, invigorates my spirit and soul. Additionally, I am a voracious reader, and it is not unknown to devour 3 books in a week, (well, that would be in a good week, actually.) Also, I love music, art and literature. Just as noteworthy, it seems, is the fact that I consider myself a true sensualist, meaning, that everything that appeals to the senses can become intoxicating to me, in one way or another. I love dogs, particularly golden retrievers, and Argon, the latest pet de-jour will turn one (1) year old tomorrow. Also noteworthy, is and something that should probably go at the beginning and not the end of this list, is that I love my husband and my two children. Often it can be said that we, as parents, are a reflection of our children, and I am truly proud of both of mine, who, in their own individual ways are unique and special. Moreover, many find me to be a kind, loving and caring woman and friend.

Often, our circumstances and the events that take place in our lives can take us to a place where we might forget who we are and what we have accomplished. This seems to have been the case for myself as of late. Well, I guess it was necessary to write this post, if for no other reason other than to remind myself about who I really am, despite all that has transpired over the past couple of years. Also, I need to remind myself of all for which I have to be greatful in my life, and the many gifts, including a loving family, good friends, a nice job, and some great interests.

Thank you for your minds.

8 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara,

I haven't visited your blog in quite sometime, but I stumbled upon it and thought I'd say "HELLO".

Hope you're doing well.

6:31 PM  
Blogger Lucy Stern said...

Barbara, I think we all need to sit down every once in a while and remind ourselves who we are, remember what we have done, and thank our Heavenly Father for all of our blessings. You have many blessings: the love of a good man, your children, your education, Argon and many more. Put a smile on your face and be happy....you are truely blessed.

10:37 PM  
Blogger BarbaraFromCalifornia said...

hi tamara,

good to see you, and thank you for your kind wishes.

You are right, Lucy: there are many blessings for which I feel very greatful. Thank you for reminding me about staying greatful.

1:15 AM  
Blogger BBC said...

Hi hon, first visit to your blog, interesting. I'm not into the Jewish thing, or any other organized religion, the people on this rock need to become spiritual only to fix the problems here.

I am greatful for all I have in my simple life, it is so much more than many others have.

Labels *rolls eyes* The only thing I can be labeled as is different.

Happy paths. Hugs.

5:57 AM  
Blogger awareness said...

Hi Barbara,

I too have felt the same way as you describe here. I think its very easy to be swallowed up into a vortex where we lose our centre core of who we are. Personally, I think I went to sleep for a couple of years when my children were young.....focused solely on their well being, and juggling the many responsibilities and roles both here at home and at work. Not much time left to remember me.
I had lost me.

Then, a couple of incidents occured at the same time that I found my muse again......and started to question my faith. I was like a perfect storm......and I woke up just in time.

Our blessings aren't recognized as such if we aren't in tune with ourselves. that's how I see it. Since "waking up" I see the colour and glory of my blessings every day.

happy halloween!

4:10 PM  
Blogger BarbaraFromCalifornia said...

Welcome, bbc

I identify with your words, Awareness. Sometimes, we are at a certain place in our lives, and it feels as if are indeed sleep-walking.

Waking up, smelling the flowers is certainly a wonderful feeling.

4:16 PM  
Blogger Todd HellsKitchen said...

Welcome back to (your) reality!

12:48 PM  
Blogger Jack Steiner said...

Life is what we make of it.

12:25 AM  

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