{"id":1650,"date":"2015-06-20T06:43:02","date_gmt":"2015-06-20T10:43:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.epicliving.com\/epic\/?p=1650"},"modified":"2015-06-21T08:45:32","modified_gmt":"2015-06-21T12:45:32","slug":"untangling-the-identity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.epicliving.com\/epic\/untangling-the-identity\/","title":{"rendered":"Untangling the Identity"},"content":{"rendered":"

Considering my post from yesterday, I thought it appropriate to put this one out again.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"IMG_1670\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Identity is one of the best barometers of who a person really is. It defines us even if we deny or look the other way. When the world in which we live starts defining us, the tangles begin.<\/p>\n

Key in my story is the untangling of my identity.<\/p>\n

Much of the tangles in my identity came from performance and a craving for affirmation. I’ll spare you and this page of all of what and where it came from. I want to use this time to talk about untangling identity and its next door neighbor, the real you\/me.<\/p>\n

In many ways we, grow tangles. They’re very much like weeds. The seed germinates, the stalk appears and the leaves sprout. Instead of wrapping around a big tree, it goes to our heart. It seduces and flatters. Before you know it you have a problem.<\/p>\n

What if the world you run in celebrates the tangles?<\/p>\n

It’s such a subtle play. The most dangerous situations are often this way. The decisions seem right, no one questions (or you stay away from anyone who would question) and you find yourself a co-conspirator in your own demise. You’re successful by some measures. You don’t disrupt much of anything. You are a model for many.<\/p>\n

I began getting untangled when I was crushed underneath many of my decisions from years ago. Decisions I made with no one holding a gun to my head. Just me and my stuff. When the untangling began, I felt horrible and ashamed. However, over time I could see glimpses of what an untangled life could be. In many ways, something needed to be pruned in and out of me. It was a process of throwing stuff into the fire, engaging in serious self-discipline, recognizing the difference between what I can control versus what I can’t, and allowing God to have full access to my heart. Thankfully, I never lost my soul in the process.<\/p>\n

The following ideas are key:<\/p>\n