Have you ever considered the notion that we may not be bound by the roles we’ve assigned ourselves? What if the essence of who we are is merely an illusion shaped by societal expectations, upbringing, and organizational norms? What if our identities have become a reflection of what we think we should be rather than what we truly desire?

Recently, a profound realization crossed my mind. I recalled a fitness coach from eight years ago, who, today, is more passionate about DJing than fitness. It dawned on me — we don’t have to conform to the molds we’ve cast for ourselves. Our identities are malleable; they can evolve and transform. We are not destined to be confined by the labels we’ve accepted.

Take, for example, another one of my coaches, Jeff Grant who abandoned a successful corporate career to venture into independent consulting or, like Mark Divine, left Wall Street to become a Navy SEAL. Even in the world of sports, consider Rich Franklin, a former math teacher turned UFC fighter. These individuals challenge the notion that our current pursuits define us indefinitely.

Many of us believe that our current path is our true calling. “I’m into fitness,” we say, but is that genuinely what we want, or have we chosen it as the path of least resistance? Have we embraced it because it was the least objected and even praised by those around us? It’s crucial to delve into the depths of our desires and question if our current identity aligns with our authentic self.

Reflecting on my own journey, I questioned how I ended up in bodybuilding. It wasn’t a childhood dream to be a body builder; it became a part of me because it felt good, and others validated it. Yet, is this truly who I want to be? Could there be a suppressed dream, rejected in the past due to fear or societal pressure, getting buried deeper and deeper, year after year, just waiting to resurface?

Without relying on doctrines or preconceived philosophies, who are we at our core? What unique design and desires lie beneath the surface, untouched by external influences?

It’s possible that our exhaustion stems from the weariness of pretense, a longing for the authentic self to breathe again. Imagine clearing the canvas of societal expectations, allowing the real you to emerge and paint a new narrative in alignment with your true desires.

Perhaps, in contemplating who we think we are, we’ll discover that we have the power to resurrect our true selves at any point in time. So, let’s embark on the journey of self-discovery, clear the canvas, and paint a new masterpiece that resonates with the desires of our hearts.

Lucky Nghi

A poem to accompany the post.

In the depths of desire, a journey we embark, Questioning the identity, a silent, inner spark. Bodybuilding, a chapter, written not by design, But a tale embraced, where validations intertwine.

Without doctrines or predefined creed, Who are we, in the whispers of our soul’s need? Beneath external echoes, untouched and free, Lies the unique design, the desires that be.

Exhaustion, a symphony of pretense we play, Longing for authenticity to breathe, to sway. Clear the canvas of societal decree, Let the true self emerge, unfettered, wild, and free.

Contemplating who we think we are, A journey of self-discovery, near and far. Resurrect the true self, a timeless art, Embark on the canvas anew, a masterpiece from the heart.

The Badass Buddha