Choose Your Identity

different color leaves

I bet you think you know yourself.

What if I told you that this is just one version of you – and that you can choose to be a different version any time you want?

We carry many identities: woman, partner, mom, daughter, friend, professional – and probably a few more.

Over time, we’ve told ourselves stories about who we are – and those stories have shaped the way we think of ourselves and how we show up in the world.

But here’s the thing: your identity is malleable.

It’s something you build, not something you’re stuck with.

Starting now, I challenge you to intentionally shape your identity to include being a strong, health-conscious woman – and a mom who shows her kids, by example, that taking care of yourself is powerful, valuable, and worth the time and attention.

First, get really clear on exactly who you’re working to become (“Your Vision”) so you can keep her in mind when things get challenging or you feel the pull toward “old you” habits.

Think about Your Vision:

  • What does she look like?
  • What does she wear?
  • How does she talk about herself?
  • How does she feel about herself?
  • What does she do for fun?
  • What are her relationships like?
  • Who does she spend her time with?
  • How much does she value her health and self-care?

Now think about Current YOU:

  • What are some things you tell yourself about who you are (or aren’t) that are holding you back?
  • What are some things you do now that are not aligned with Your Vision?
  • Identify all the stories about yourself that you’ve come to believe as facts – and recognize that they are literally figments of your imagination, and you can choose to let them go.

Next, how are you going to make Your Vision a reality?

  • What are some thoughts you could have about yourself that are more aligned with Your Vision?
  • What are some behaviors and actions you could adopt that are aligned with Your Vision?
  • Come up with as many as you want. Make these your new stories. Tell yourself these things every day – with time, they will become your new reality. It’s actually that easy – you just have to be intentional.

Keep in mind: You’re not waiting to become this version of you – you’re actively building her right now, with every thought, belief, and action.

YOU are in control of who you become.

Your identity is whatever you damn well decide it is!