Your Truth Is In Your Desires
“Be authentic in the way you dress, in the voice mail message you leave, in the contracts you negotiate, with what you bring into your home. Consistency creates momentum,” I said, microphone in hand.
“But what if I don’t know who my authentic self really is?” asked a voice from the audience.
Ah yes…Mortal coil and Man’s Search for Meaning. Good point.
Here’s the answer:
Your true self lives in your desires. You can find what’s most meaningful and sincere inside your cravings, your longings, in the stuff you want. The impulses of your heart are evolutionary imperatives. Heed the beat.
Even if your current reality looks nothing like your desired reality, even if you’re feeling like a big fat loser on the scale of positive self image, know that your soul has left you a little trail of popcorn to get you out of the dark woods. The kernels may look like this:
- I want a hot pink bedspread and sparkly things all around me…
- I envy people who can dance with abandon at wedding receptions…
- I dream of trading in my 9 to 5 polyester for life in a small town, canning my own veggies and wearing clogs.
- If I could start all over again, I’d study law…I’d study art…I’d kiss girls…I’d get high in Egypt, I’d join the ministry…the circus…the Peace Corps…
- I crave attention, connection, kink, God, power, perfection…
- If I was a millionaire I would…
- More than anything I want…
- If this was my last year to live I’d…
It’s all there. What you covet, fancy, wish for. Your persistent yearnings, sometimes wistful or tender, sometimes fiery and large—they’re not knocking on your soul to give you the guilties. They’re whispering, “You’re over here. Pay attention to us and know thyself.”
When you’re lost, look to your desires to light the way.
. . . . . . .
Photo courtesy of timparkinson
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October 13th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I'm going to pay attention to mine this week and guiltlessly follow them.
It'll be interesting to see where they lead me!
October 13th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
This is so true! I often look at other people and think, “If I only I could {fillintheblank} like that person, I would be so happy.” And, I really think that often letting go, abandoning that self doubt that holds us back is really the most freeing thing one can do.
This week, I've made a conscious effort to sing and dance more in my everyday life. I'm a horrible singer, but it's been so fun! Perhaps I can even inspire others to live more freely.
October 13th, 2008 at 11:20 pm
[...] what do you secretly desire? {à la carrie and danielle dot com} [...]
October 14th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Danielle – you are a seriously wise chick. Sometimes I get so involved in navel gazing (a fun and guilty pleasure) that I forget these simple, beautiful truths. Thank you.
M
xo
October 21st, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Danielle…we must share a glass of wine next time we are in the same town together. Organic wine of coarse
November 21st, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I completely believe in the power of belief and visualization. Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can't, it's true.” One of my favorite quotes.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:20 am
Desire is a very powerful driving force, and it allows one to break his own limits. However, allowing it to take full possession of our logic is not safe, for it could lead to certain repercussions that would hurt not only our feelings, but the feelings of the people that care for us. Nevertheless, sometimes you just have to heed the beat. =)