livWhole :: Who Am I?

Who Am I?

I contemplated this question during a long run in Portland yesterday. Probably the best day of the year there, sunny, dry 85*, perfect. A far cry from the stifling heat and humidity of the east coast, which I left a several days prior. I have this uncanny knack for leaving town just when things get brutal – on either the cold or hot end – to head to much more pleasant climates. And Portland is probably the most pleasant of anywhere in the U.S. right now.
I tried to divert my attention away from the sharp pain that occasionally shoots up the left side of my back, trying to focus on my new running form and staying light on my feet. Less like an elephant, more like a gazelle. Following the breath in and out. Listening to it, getting lost in it, or driven by a particular song on my iPod. Slipping into a meditative, totally connected state.
Eventually nagging thoughts dissipate and other ‘deeper’ thoughts began to take their place.
Thoughts of gratitude to be in this beautiful city. Gratitude that I can even move my body. Gratitude for breathing fresh air. Gratitude for life. Just to name a few.
At some point, the question of my identity popped into my head. Maybe because, recently, I’ve been discussing business plans, goals, etc. with others, trying to map out where I want my career to go and ‘what’s next’. Of course, because who I am and how I live is so intimately connected to what I do for a living, that question inevitably prompts me to question who I am and who I want to be. Everyone wants me to ‘identify’ myself. I understand why. They are only trying to help me and my career.

Here’s what I came up with:
I am a yogi.
I am a spiritual being.
I will NEVER stop being a dancer.
I am a sister, a daughter, a granddaughter, an aunt and a niece.
I am a friend.
I am an athlete.
I am a teacher.
I am a student.
I am a natural foods chef and nutritionist.
I am leader.
I am a follower.
I am love.

So I’ll ask you? What would you do with all of these things? How do I wrap this up into a tiny little package for someone?
Yet, I realized, while I am all of these things, I could be none of these things and still be ‘something’.
This realization does not do much to help advance my career but what it does for my peace and happiness is immeasurable.

Posted on Mon, July 25, 2011 by Jennifer Galardi filed under

6 comments (Add your own)

1. Monique wrote:: It tells me that you are going in the right direction, wherever that is.

It also tells me that you need to spread your positive outlook, knowledge, energy and passion. However you choose to do it is up to you but share it somehow.

There aren't many people like you so you have a lot of wonderful work ahead of you....................so get going!
Wed, July 27, 2011 @ 12:50 PM
2. frank wrote:: stopping to reflect not only gives us time to breath but makes room for others to grow:)
Thu, July 28, 2011 @ 8:42 PM
3. Shawn Ames wrote:: Wow! Was just exploring your brand and who you are Jennnifer. Great thoughts to think about! I think I shall do the same on my long run tomorrow :-). Cheers, Shawn
Sun, September 4, 2011 @ 3:25 PM
4. Jen wrote:: Several years ago, I purchased the 10 minute solution DVD "Fat Blasting Dance Mix" starring YOU! I have done it so much, I think I could do it in my sleep! So I found myself searching today for other videos with you in it (since my cable provider stopped carrying exercise videos on demand...can't do the ones you're in on that now!!) and I came across your website. Love learning more about you and in reading your "self-identification" above, realize why I feel so connected to you when I work out...we are very much alike! And I LOVE that you so emphatically state "I will NEVER stop being a dancer"...at 40 years old, I whole-heartedly agree!!
Wed, February 8, 2012 @ 5:32 PM
5. Eva wrote:: That's the thing that puts me off 3D TV. I absolutely love the idea, and I think it rellay would enhance our viewing experience. However, I just can't imagine sitting watching a film with those glasses. Not to mention tha't I'd have to buy a pair for every member of my family, and replace them when they inevitably get lost or broken.
Wed, April 18, 2012 @ 9:24 PM
6. Krofy wrote:: Good stuff, Kelly. Job seekers so often get prapwed up in what's NOT going right, that they completely forget about all the things that HAVE gone right and will continue to go right! It all comes down to positive thinking. The best is yet to come BC
Thu, April 19, 2012 @ 5:40 AM

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