When I first moved from Germany to the U.S., I experienced a tremendous identity crisis. I didn't feel like I fit in anywhere, and I had a difficult time finding my way within a new culture, yet at the same time my "old culture" didn't feel right anymore either. I noticed how I was always on alert and always felt the need to defend myself by saying things that, looking back, diminished other people's experiences just so I could feel better about myself. It almost felt like I had to create a scenario of superiority just to not feel so lost. It wasn't until I had a serious conversation with my life coach that I realized that I was the problem and that I was always focused on either or scenarios that had me subconsciously believe that someone always had to lose for someone else to win in life. And I certainly wasn't the one going to lose so I covered up my insecurities with sarcasm and snarky comments.
It took me another few years to fully grasp that I was responding from preconceived biases and prejudice that impacted how I related to others. I was pretty much forced to take a really honest look deep within myself if I wanted to feel seen, heard but also allow others to connect with me on a soul level. What I have learned throughout this journey of self-discovery is that in one way or another we are all sisters and brothers and that if we become brutally honest with our own internal programming and always hold it against love and connection we can all establish an understanding of belonging - a kind of belonging that can only be found on a spiritual level and inspires respect for ourselves, our own boundaries as well as others and their boundaries.
Working through those challenges had me become an observer of life where I give my best to see everyone as a unique expression of God/ Divine Force even when sometimes their action don't quite align with who they truly are. It allowed me to develop a stronger sense of compassion even for those I don't agree with and to not take things as personally and rather recognize someone's reactions as something that has more to do with them than with me. I keep telling myself every single day that if one doesn't act in alignment with love, then they call out for love. There are certainly times where I lash out, when people annoy me or when I react in ways that is hurtful. However, my goal is and always will be to give my best to acknowledge people for who they are - Divine Souls.
Sharing about my journey of overcoming cultural barriers combined with the journey to my spiritual self has the potential to show what it can look and feel like to live in a world where we can see each other as brothers and sisters and treat each other with respect and dignity.
