Back in May, I did a number on myself by over-committing primarily at my boys' schools. Summer came and I needed a break from civilization. I checked in with myself toward the end of June and nope, I still felt like I needed a break. So I plodded along, keeping to myself (well, let's be honest - keeping to myself + Jason + my boys + my work + well, you know...)

Fast forward to August and my balance was off once again, but in the other direction. I felt alone and lonely. I was reminded of the sacredness of having a place to belong. I was reminded of the fact that it's HARD for me to belong - I have some serious roadblocks to getting there (see below). I was reminded that belonging is a value of mine and one that is important for me to nourish.

I started to wonder - who feels like they belong? Who feels like they have people in their corner that they can count on? The ones that will pitch a tent and keep it warm inside, the ones that will see us and hear us and do life with us? Isn't that something we all yearn for? And yet, it seems so few of us truly have that.

Or maybe it's just me.

Roadblocks to Belonging

Before we can make progress toward belonging, I think it's important to identify what holds us back. This might look different for each of us - maybe it's the pain of betrayal that holds you back - not wanting others to know what is really going on behind closed doors. Maybe it's shame from past experiences that hold you back - thinking it's safest to keep them all tucked inside. Maybe it's fear of rejection. Maybe it's the pace of your life and all the things you are working to accomplish. All valid reasons for not being able to fully press in to relationships and belong.

I'd say for me, while this list changes, depending on the season, there tend to be two things that consistently hold me back from belonging. One of those things happens to be the limits I have on my emotional bandwidth. Between raising these sweet littles (turning into bigs), running a ministry that helps those that are hurting, and trying to keep my marriage to Jason a priority - my tank tends to run low.

Second, and probably more of a problem, is this fear that I won't be accepted if people really really knew what I was like - aka - a fear of rejection. While I realize we live in a culture of covering up and while I realize the importance of taking off masks (I preach on this) - I STILL struggle with this.

It's like there is that little girl, still inside me, that so badly wants to be liked. No. matter. the. cost.

Unfortunately - that cost is high and not worth it.

I have been very very aware over the last month of how I have been tempted to be who I think people want me to be, versus firmly grounding myself in ME. I've had several fails where I have walked away and realized - I have some work to do.

And - the good news - I have also had a couple of successes. Where I have walked into a situation or experience (I can count two recent times) and I committed to myself to be me. No matter the cost. It was hard and scary and freeing.

What about for you? What do you see as the things that hold you back from belonging?

The Key to Belonging

What I have realized as I look back on these experiences - is first, I have to belong to myself. What I mean by this is - I have to truly accept myself - my quirks, my differences, my opinions, my fears, the things I love, the things I hate. All of me (hmmm...this is beginning to sound like a mix of boundary work + self care) or as much of me as I know - has to be acknowledged and accepted - in order for me to belong to myself.

As we begin to accept ourselves and find belonging from within - we are then able to show the true and real version of ourselves to others. And when we share the real and true with others - this my friends is when we will start to experience belonging.

So Who are You?

There is something about the death of a marriage that forces one to figure out who they really are. We are all handed this {opportunity} as we face the heartache of betrayal. It's been a big part of my journey and a big part of what I do as I walk with women via groups and one on one.

And it's also super scary to dig into who we really are. The pain of betrayal can in the short-term cause us to fit more tightly into our masks and what we *think* we need to look like, act like, be like. If you resonate with this - know that it's a big part of the the healing process. We don't want to be hurt again - so no wonder we self-protect with the masks.

The masks we wear, however, lead to isolation, loneliness and death at a soul level.

Below are some simple suggestions for getting to know you. Think of this as gently peeking out from under the mask.

You can look in the Rescued workbook in Chapter 3 and start to explore the things that fill you up and the things that deplete you. You can also start to explore your healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Both of these things are simple ways to start to get to know yourself better and what makes you unique.

I love the Enneagram and here is an inexpensive test (click on the RHETO) you can take that will help you figure out your type. I also like this book and this book which will help you explore the Enneagram even more.

Know that if you struggle to accept yourself, to know who you really are, to belong - you aren't alone. I am on this journey with you and I'm figuring it out, too. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

xo - Shelley