Under Construction

In order to please others,

we loose hold on our

life's purpose.

Epictetus

Stoic, AD 55

It is not easy to define your self while you are transitioning through graduation, marriage, divorce, career or spiritual renewal.  Old identities are gently released, but there is a pause before the new identity is securely affixed. 

This time of 'pause' can be very uncomfortable.  Not having a label when mingling in public can be really quite unnerving.  It seems as though no one really respects the value of just being 'you' without a definite description. 

This is the unfortunate part of our society.  It appears that we our selves are more secure if we can place those around us in an appropriate box.  When we can label others, than we know more clearly where we stand.  In this knowing, we assess how comfortable or competitive we must be. 

There is so much more to personal growth, adding to self-definition and security when we can view all people as unique.  Instead of categorizing, we could use that energy to discover the authenticity of the individual standing before us.  Instead of posing the question, "What do you do," we could ask, "What lesson do you bring to me," or "What can I learn from you today?"  

If society could learn to celebrate each other rather than compete with each other, there would be a gathering of eclectic ideas that might just provide a more peaceful and healthy existence.  By embracing diversity, solutions might shift supporting more prosperous outcomes for all instead of for a few. 

So the next time you are experiencing a transition and a by-stander inquires about your status, just say you are "under construction" ...