Stripping It All Away

Who are you? Has anyone ever asked you this question? And what’s the immediate feeling that surfaces when they do?

Conviction? Nervousness? Pride? Defensiveness? Exhaustion?

It’s only happened to me once - maybe twice - but it stuck. I was asked: “No, who are you at your core”? It struck me as deeply personal and uncomfortably intimate. A question I realized I hadn’t honestly reflected on – and I was inspired.

It’s an exercise that initially, for me anyway, took some time. Stripping away the layers—the roles, achievements, and external affirmations I was taught to lead with.

“Say not, ‘I have found the truth’, but rather, ‘I have found a truth’” - Khalil Gibran

When all is quiet – the hustle and bustle of the day retreats, the wants and needs of others have been taken care of, there are no more “to dos” – who’s left? Just you.

The person looking back at you, void of any professional title, family role or other affiliation. Just presence.

What do you see? Go beyond the mom, partner, executive, friend. Those are all indeed true and meaningful, but just a piece of who you are.

What makes you tick?

What lights you up, even if no one else sees it?

What brings you to tears?

What do you crave—not to do, but to feel?

What keeps you steady?

Perhaps you’ve never asked yourself these questions, or haven’t in a while. The busyness of life can push this self-definition to the bottom of the list. That’s normal and real. It’s also a reminder of why this question matters so much.

Because you’re not just what you do or who you show up for. You’re also the being behind the doing. Still there, waiting to be seen.

I want to leave you with this challenge: If you couldn’t mention your job, your family, your relationships, or anything you “do”—how would you answer the question: Who are you?

The only answer that matters is an honest one. You owe that to yourself. Remember you are much more than any of your roles. And that is the most liberating truth of all.

Until next time – be a good HUMAN ✨