Defining & Redefining Who We Are (& an exciting announcement)

// In a nutshell: “Finding our Identity is the process of DEFINING & REDEFINING who we are in each season of life.”

Finding our Identity is the process of DEFINING and REDEFINING who we are in each season of life. Click To Tweet

This past year has been just that… a journey into discovering Identity. And I’ve come to the conclusion that finding identity is both simple and incredibly complex.

Let me give you an example:

♥ When a new mom comes home with that little bundle of joy, she takes on the label of “Mom,” but faces the question, “Who am I now that I don’t have a career, or a paycheck, or peers who make me feel good about myself?”

♥ When those kids go to school, and she finally has a few hours to herself, but she finds herself asking, “Who am I now that I have some time, but can’t remember what I like to do anymore?”

♥ Or when all of the kids are in school, and she has half of the day to herself, but she asks herself, “Who am I now that I can go back to work? Do I even want to work anymore? Do I need more training now after being out of the industry? Should I also go back to school?”

♥ Or maybe, like me, she’s in that season where the kids are starting to move out of the house and pursue their own destinies, and she asks herself, “Who am I now that they don’t need me anymore?” (I hate the words ‘empty nest.’)

♥ But it doesn’t stop there… how about when the grandkids come along, and she asks herself, “Who am I when I know all the answers, but they don’t want to hear them?” //

♥ Or worse yet, when a spouse passes away and she has to find new purpose apart from being the other half of a team.

Do you get the picture? Life is full of Identity Crisis moments that challenge our DEFINITION of purpose and identity.

Who are we now?

In the last few years, I have felt Father pulling me into an incredible journey of discovering Identity, and challenging me to redefine who I am. I can’t be the same person I was 20 years ago, or 2 years ago, for that matter. Today is a new day, and it requires a NEW ME.

So, what does redefining look like for me?

That’s why I started my writing business… and rocking it (by the way).
That’s why I started my blog… to find my voice and share my life with the precious people around me (near and far).

And I’m super excited to announce that…

Next month, I AM PUBLISHING MY FIRST BOOK!

For years, God has been challenging me to study the Proverbs 31 Woman. Yes, I know… you either love her or you hate her.

She sets the bar way too high for normal people like you and me.
She pushes our ‘justice’ buttons of what seems fair and reasonable.
She triggers those familiar feelings of comparison that make most of us quit trying.
At one point, she made me want to pull my hair out in frustration.

But then I realized that this passage was NEVER meant to be a ‘todo list’ to accomplish in one day. No!

Proverbs 31 is a blank cheque that we GET to accomplish in our lifetime. Click To Tweet

That’s what this book is about.

It’s a creative and interactive study into Identity and purpose and the different stages of Identity Crisis that we go through.
It’s specifically designed for groups of women wanting to grow in God’s wisdom as Moms. You will love it on your own, but it works even better when you do it together with your friends.
The discussion questions are perfect for ‘mommy groups,’ Moms & Tots groups, and ladies Bible studies.

I can’t wait to have you join me on this journey of “IDENTITY ~ Finding the Proverbs 31 Woman in the Middle of Kid Chaos.” (More details to follow…)

Love,

————————-♥————————-

Every Friday, I join an inspiring group of writers to write for FIVE MINUTES on a one-word prompt. No editing. No revising. Just WRITE. This week, the prompt word was DEFINE. It was the perfect opportunity to share my exciting news. Thanks!

// indicates the start and stop of the timer.

For more information on Five Minute Friday, check out Kate Motaung’s site!

Anne says:

2017/03 at 6:20 pm

So exciting Shauna! And so so proud of you! You are inspiring and brave. So grateful for you in my life! x Anne

Shauna Blaak says:
2017/03 at 10:30 pm

Oh my friend, thank you for your kind comments and constant encouragement. I am so blessed to have you in my life too. I love my Chinese/Australian/South African sister. 🙂

Lesley says:

2017/03 at 6:39 pm

Congratulation on your book, Shauna- that is exciting! And I agree, identity is a complex subject- who we are and our purpose changes at different seasons in our lives.

Shauna Blaak says:
2017/03 at 10:55 pm

Thanks, Lesley! It’s a big jump, for sure, but I’m grateful for the support around me. I heard somewhere that excitement and fear affect the same part of the brain (which may explain why people jump out of airplanes and call it fun). So when i feel that nervous knot-in-my-gut, I just coach myself with an, “I’m excited! I’m excited!” 🙂

Thanks so much for visiting. Have a great weekend!

Andrew Budek-Schmeisser says:

2017/03 at 9:13 pm

Go it, Shauna! Congratulations!

I consider myself kind of lucky in that I’ve never felt defined by what I did or where I was. As the poet said, I always had “immortal longings in me” that I realized could never be met in this world.

#1 at FMF this week.

https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/03/your-dying-spouse-291-peter-pan-will.html

Shauna Blaak says:
2017/03 at 11:42 pm

Thanks, Andrew! I really appreciate the support!
Your comment reminded me of this verse… “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV) How comforting!

It’s always great to see you here, my friend. I hope Barb feels better soon. <3

Lynne says:

2017/04 at 1:56 am

This was really encouraging to read. Being a mother is really hard and there’s loads of pressure around us. We all need to encourage each other in our walk as mothers in Christ. Congratulation on your book! FMF#27

Shauna Blaak says:
2017/04 at 10:28 am

Thanks, Lynne! I’m so glad you were encouraged. It’s so true about needing each other. One of my favourite sayings is, “You were Never Meant to Walk Alone,” which is the topic for a future book on Community. Don’t wait until you have your ‘stuff’ together; we need each other on the journey, through the process.

Thanks so much for visiting today. Heading over to #27 soon. 🙂

Christina Hubbard says:

2017/04 at 6:24 am

A book!! Way to go! It sounds like a topic near your heart and so many more. You’re right—the redefinements bring incredible growth. New opportunities. Identity game changers. May your words touch just the right hearts.