For ages, centuries, and decades, people have sought to answer the question, “Who am I really?” I would add, “and how would I know when I’ve found myself?” People are wrestling with questions of gender and identity. Some people feel torn between societal messages and navigating internal traumas.

We have plopped ourselves smack dab in the middle of a societal identity crisis.

If it is true that we are not this body, but our first identity is spirit, then to exclude this aspect of self when answering the question has become a huge limitation and eclipses many from true self-understanding. We see this in the evidential medical research of NDEs and consciousness existing outside of the physical brain/body.

If it is true that we have abstract minds and can be susceptible to self-deception, then it follows that we can get it wrong. We see this when people physically (surgically) transition to the opposite gender and then realize that wasn’t the actual issue for them, and then struggle to transition back.

How do we get it right? Who are we really? To answer any deep question, there is only one rational solution. Look to the truth.

Within the heart of integrative life and leadership coaching, we make a key distinction between the true self and the false self. The goal in integration is to build upon the truth and shed the mistruths.

In God’s truth, there is the part of us that is God-generated (created) and then the fallen part (free will in this world means we can be deceived). Yet, deception doesn’t mean truth. It means we missed the truth. Even “sin” literally means to miss the mark. So, again, the formula remains: Look to the truth. Look to the truth. Look to the truth.

What is the truth of you? You are the true elements of God’s creation. God cannot be wrong and didn’t create you wrongly. The only place deception can exist is in our thinking. That is it. That you have ownership, agency and power over.

What is the truth of you? You are your God-given gifts. You are your strengths, and those can be developed. You are made up of your core values, and the fruits of the Spirit exist as possibilities embedded within you. You are issued a life purpose, filled with meaning and in alignment with God’s plan to provide healing, joy, love, and Hope to a hurting world. You are all of these things. Seek not to adorn yourself with fancy world views and external riches that look pretty and instead seek the truth and footprint of your unique soul.