One of the rituals at our house has been the way we say goodbye when someone is leaving. We always say “goodbye” and “I love you” but I have always said, “remember who you are!” At first, my children thought this was a bit of a joke, as if I was telling them to be good and not get into any trouble. It kind of means that, but truthfully, it is so much more. “Remember who you are” is meant to be a constant reminder of their immeasurable value.
I did not coin the phrase and if you look it up, you will find many sermons or stories surrounding the idea. It is a common theme in movies, especially Disney movies. One of my favorite movies is Moana. I cry every time I watch this movie, the music is beautiful and it reminds me of Hawaii. Moana is brave. She is meant for more than what others have been telling her. She has a purpose which she must discover; and she does. For me, one of the most moving scenes in the movie is when Moana gives up after failing to get to Te Fiti the first time. She gives up on her quest and everything is silent. At this point, her grandmother’s spirit comes to her and reminds her to remember who she is. When we are feeling adrift, lost and hopeless, this is the time to listen in the silence to the innermost part of our heart. This is when we remember who we are and let it guide us. Be true to yourself.
We have a calling in this life to accomplish something. For some it will be something grand for all the world to see; but for most of us, it will not change the course of the planet. If there is nothing else my kids learn from me, the most important should be to see their own value and accept it. To remember they have infinite potential to achieve their goals and dreams. To remember they are special and loved. To remember who you are is a reminder wherever you are, you are loved and special. In other words, in any situation you may be in, right or wrong, you need to remember your infinite worth, remember you are irreplaceable, and remember your decisions mean something which will impact your life and others around you.
More to the point, remembering who you are is to realize and accept that you are perfect and enough in this very moment. Not in the future after accomplishing all of your life goals or after you graduated from college. You are enough right now. You are loved and perfect in this moment and every moment. So, don’t disrespect yourself by allowing yourself or others to disparage that. Don’t make decisions that will hurt your perfect self in this moment.
My children are the most important aspect of my life and I want them to remember this fact wherever they go; I want them to remember their purpose in the world and their value, which is immeasurable. Every time they walk out the door, I want them to remember their life is important and has meaning, it cannot be flitted away and treated as inconsequential.
You have purpose. You are loved. You are an essential element in this life. You matter. You are enough and perfect right now. Remember who you are.
