I read somewhere recently that life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself. While I like that saying a lot, and believe that is certainly true on some levels, I also believe that life is very much about finding one’s true self:
That pure spirit that is beneath all the layers of self-doubt, pain, fear, shadows, negative labels, and other very real but harmful things that keep a person’s spirit buried in darkness.
I believe that the spirit inside everyone is so powerful that even a single one can change the world.
Some spirits shine in very public ways and are well-known throughout the world.
Many spirits shine quietly or even anonymously, bringing their light, love, smiles, compassion, kindness, and warmth to others who are struggling in the darkness of despair, grief, loneliness, pain, suffering, and poverty.
As for poverty, I’ve learned that there are even worse kinds than being without money—the kinds where people have no hope, no faith, and receive no human kindness–not even a gentle touch or a loving hug–and those who feel worthless.
And I don’t believe the word “wothless” does the feeling justice. People who feel that way don’t just feel worth LESS, they feel like they are worth NOTHING.
When we discover or re-discover the spirit within ourselves, we can share its light, love, and warmth with others. And sometimes in that sharing—like one candle lighting another—-we can help someone who is scared and stumbling in the darkness of their shadows to begin to see glimpses of the beauty of their own spirit.
Every time a candle is lit or a spirit is re-kindled our world gets a little bit brighter and warmer, but for the person who experiences their spirit for the first time or re-experiences it after a long while, their world isn’t just a bit brighter and warmer.
It can be an awakening to the love and beauty inside and all around them that changes and enhances their life and attitude forever.
It can mean the difference between life and death, merely existing versus truly living, hiding in fear or confidently making their future and our world much brighter.
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
I don’t think that you can actually “create” anything about yourself that is lasting, without first “finding” yourself .. I always see it like building a sandcastle – you can put pretty things on the sand, but if you haven’t taken the time to see when the waves will come in: it’s all gone in seconds.
I agree that we must know who we are in order to use that as a solid base from which to grow. Otherwise, like you said, the sand shifts and the castles built upon it can and very like will be washed away.
Thank you for you comment and the way you used imagery you used to illustrate your point!
Russ
Well said Russ! There is NO feeling as great as being true to yourself.
This is just amazing with many powerful truths. Thanks for sharing
Thank you for your kind comment, Boomie.
Russ
Thank you for your kind comment, Diana!
Russ
Thank you for this amazing post Russ. It pulls on my heart-strings and truly inspires me. With so much gratitude for you and the bright light you shine in our world, Gina
Thank you, my friend! That means a lot to me coming from someone whose spirit so often brightens my world.
Russ
Thanks for this post, it stands as a reminder of what I would like to be, bringing light to the darkness quietly just because I can. One day… Meanwhile am trying to figure out what it really means to be alive and to want to be, slowly slowly…
When we really know who we are for ourselves, somehow there’s a light that brings people to us and allows us to share what we have with others. Even if that’s just a hug or a story or a song…
Take care.
Thank you for your coment. Please don’t underestimate the power of your spirit. You are probably already helping and inspiring people to hang in there; reassuting them that they are not alone in their struggle; that you understand. That can mean a lot to people– sometimes even the difference between life and death. Hang in their my friend. You have an important role to play.
Russ