Identity to Essence

Okay, I’ve been feeling a bit introspective lately, so it’s no wonder that today’s post is a reflection. 

Just a week or so ago I attended my local writer’s conference, Georgia Romance Writer’s Moonlight & Magnolias.  A wonderful experience, by the way, if you’re a writer or want to be, and are looking for an affordable, modest-sized event to aid your career. 

This particular year promised to be a high point for me because one of our special guest speakers was Michael Hauge, a story and script consultant, author and lecturer who works with novelists and screenwriters on perfecting their craft.  A definite favorite of mine.  His workshop lasted one entire day and for a lucky few of us, several hours into the next day. 

One of the highlights of his lecture was the concept of a hero moving from his identity to his essence.  In other words, (wildly paraphrasing here) moving past the persona or identity he projects to the world and coming to live fully as the person he is inside, having moved past whatever fears or needs that are keeping him from maximizing his potential, pursuing those dreams and highest goals.  In two words – Character Arc.

For me, this is what writing is all about, that inner journey more than the outer plot.

So you might be thinking, “I’m not a writer.  Why should I care?”  That’s where my recent introspection comes in.  My family has been going through some growing pains lately; wedding plans, college, new start up business.  The usual life stuff, just all at once.  Which lead to a conversation involving the motherly advice of making sure that you take the time to begin the journey to discovering who you are by asking yourself some hard questions.  What do you want out of life?  What do you have to offer?  Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10?  What makes you happy?  If you could do anything, BE anything, what would it be?  How would the people in your life remember you?

Tough questions to be sure.  Especially for young adults.  As writers we ask our characters these questions so we can better understand them, get their story across in the most empathetic way.  So we can bring them through that arc to a happier place.

I’ve been asking myself some of these questions.  Obviously our answers would be very reflective of our ages and life experiences.  But I think it’s important to push the pause button every once in a while and do the hard work.  Ask the hard questions.  Are we caught in a cycle of just getting through the day, living in our identity?  Or are we pursuing our dreams, expecting more of ourselves, striving to live in our essence?

What about you?  Are you living in your identity or your essence?  What do you want to change?