Before the world told you who to be

September asked us to pay attention. For 30 days, we practiced small rituals designed to help us slow down, notice ourselves, and become a little more intentional about how we're moving through our lives.

Now October is asking us a different question: Do you remember who you are?

• Not what you do.

• Not the titles you carry.

• Not who you are to your children, your partner, your coworkers, your friends or your family.

• Who are you underneath all of that?

I’ve been thinking about this question a lot lately because I’ve realized how easy it is to become a collection of roles. Professional. Wife. Mother. Daughter. Friend. Caregiver. Responsible one. Strong one. The one who figures it out.

Somewhere underneath all those layers is the woman who existed before she learned who she was “supposed” to be.

This month at Whole Life Wellness Group, we're entering The Ritual of Remembrance.

Not remembrance in the sense of simply looking backward. This is about re-membering ourselves. Gathering the pieces. Calling parts of ourselves home. Remembering the interests, desires, quirks, dreams, gifts and truths that belong to us.

So this week, I want you to sit with one question: What do I remember about myself that I want back?

Maybe it’s your creativity. Your boldness. Your sensuality. Your curiosity. Your playfulness.

Your voice. Your ability to dream without immediately asking whether the dream is practical.

You don't have to reinvent yourself. Maybe you just need to remember her.

THIS WEEK’S RITUAL

Find a photograph of yourself from another season of your life. Don't focus on how you looked. Look at her. What did she love? What did she believe? What made her laugh? What did she know about herself? Write down whatever comes. There may be something she’s been waiting to remind you.