By Bob Deakin
Have you reinvented yourself lately? Congratulations and good for you. Sometimes an overhaul is in order. Or you’re starting up the old engine after a long stint in the garage. Rejoice in reinventing yourself in the mold of the authentic you.
Call it change or call it starting over. It’s your burning desire to be who you are. You must be what you can be. When you’re not, your conscience will let you know in vexing ways.
Like Riding a Bike
I can only imagine what you’re up to. Have you started singing after a long layoff? Getting fitted for new skis? A ski mask for bank jobs like back in the day? Whatever your passion, old or new, show yourself some love for the gallant leap of faith.
It doesn’t matter what age you are. The 20-year-old student may pick up the brush he hasn’t touched since middle school. The middle school teacher might sit back down with the guitar she hasn’t touched since she began teaching.
Her fingertips will be sore, but she remembers the chords and how stunning they sound in the right sequence.
Reality Waiting for You to Claim It
Your visions and the feelings they produce are powerful. Reinventing yourself is exciting. Everything seems different. The photographer stares at everything like looking through a viewfinder. The painter finds himself in a Hobby Lobby on a Friday night looking for an easel.
I recently heard a quote to the effect of, “The vision you have held in your heart is not a dream, it is reality waiting for you to claim it.” It’s not attributed to anyone, but profound. I’ll claim it as my own and charge $50k per speaking engagement.
The longing for authenticity reminds me of a song. Thanks Ken Ascher and Paul Williams.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that I'm supposed to be
Someday we'll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
Reinventing Yourself in the Mold of the Authentic You
I use the term reinvent for its commonality. I could use reimagine but that’s taken (thanks Disney). Reinventing yourself is reforming something already there: You. You may not even know why.
Time has a way of bringing lost passions to a boil. New and healthy habits for the body, mind, and soul are a rebirth, and there are plenty of metaphors and lyrics to back you up. I am merely here to encourage, not to be Tony Robbins. I don’t have the teeth for that.
One can’t make up for lost time, but there’s a sentimental motivation to try. Be proud. You didn’t waste time. You got the job done. Checking boxes and chasing goals. In the words of John Lennon:
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
###
Comments