February 2011 Newsletter  www.ComposeYourLife.ca   IN THIS ISSUE 1.         Who are you ...? 2.         Ways to Connect to your Authentic Self 3.         Quotable Quotes WHO ARE YOU ...? What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear this question and are asked to define yourself? Parent; professional; volunteer; the list could go on and on. And yet as important as these roles and professions may be, they cannot sum up the essence of who you really are and of what makes you tick... The reason for this is that these responses define you only relative to other people – your partner, children, friends or colleagues. And as important as they may be, your relationships cannot define you or fully exemplify your true self. Your authentic self has nothing to do with other people, and everything to do with your passions, potential and contributions to the world at large. Your true self is the inner spirit that was already you before your life was filled with the people and activities that now fill your days. Of course, these external elements tell the world something about us, but mostly they are indications of what we choose to share rather than the full picture. So let’s try rephrasing the question to get closer to your core: Who are you when you’re alone? Now try answering it again, allowing your authentic nature to shine through. Reconnecting with your authenticity will lead to a more genuinely fulfilling life, while adding new depth to your creativity. Sometimes you may need to strip away some layers of conditioning and protection, but the treasure of your real self is always there, waiting to be rediscovered. WAYS TO RECONNECT TO YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF Generally, those who pursue their creativity and passion manage to stay in touch with their authenticity to a certain degree. Many of the ways you can touch upon your truer self therefore involve reconnecting to your values, passions and creative potential. Focus upon your hopes and dreams and upon what inspired you from an early age. Look for the common values and see how you might touch base again with your true inner self, that which transcends the definitions established by your roles and relationships. To help get you moving on this journey of self-discovery, here are some powerful questions to stimulate alignment with your inner self. Feel free to pick and choose the ones which are most helpful to you: ~ What did you love doing as a child? ~ What are your values? What really matters to you and why? ~ What's fun for you now? ~ What subjects are you drawn to? If you were going to subscribe to several magazines, which ones would you choose? ~ What do you do because you know it will please other people? How would you change that if you only had to please yourself? ~ What messages does your body give you? Which activities allow it to feel relaxed and which ones make you tense or uncomfortable? ~ What did you used to dream about when you were younger? While you may not want to do the same things you did back then, you can perhaps allow these dreams to morph into a hobby or pastime. ~ What are some of the ways you function best?  Are you a morning person or a night person, a loner or a team player, do you prefer a quiet environment or a bustling one? How can you value and honour your own needs and preferences? ~ Are you still engaging in certain activities that used to serve you but no longer do?  What else could you be doing that would be more pleasant and beneficial? ~ What do you do solely because you think you should? Which self-imposed obligations can you eliminate? ~ How can the person you are now (or the person you want to be) handle challenges in a new and creative way? Discovering and maintaining connection with one’s authentic self can be a lifelong quest. We're each unique beings, and the more we can uncover our authenticity, the more we can align our passion, potential and contribution to the world. Fortunately we do not have to go it alone. If you would value the accompaniment and support of a certified Personal Life Coach, feel free to contact me for a complimentary coaching session: info@ComposeYourLife.ca.   QUOTABLE QUOTES The authentic self is the soul made visible ... An authentic life is the most personal form of worship. Everyday life has become my prayer.              -              Sarah Ban Breathnach   This above all: To thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.   William Shakespeare (Hamlet)   Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate. -                   -           Carl Jung  Who we are looking for is who is looking ...   -                    -           Francis of Assisi   The authentic self is the best part of a human being. It's the part of you that already cares, that is already passionate about evolution. When your authentic self miraculously awakens and becomes stronger than your ego, then you will truly begin to make a difference in this world. You will literally enter into a partnership with the creative principle. -          Andrew Cohen   And remember, no matter where you go, there you are.  -                    -      Confucius  *******************************************************************  If you liked my Newsletter, please forward it to a friend - it is the highest compliment you could pay me! You can also encourage friends to subscribe by forwarding this link: http://www.composeyourlife.ca/.  Thank you!