Loving and Embracing My True Self

I love everything about me—who I am, my journey, what I do, how I do it, and the growth I seek. The more I get to know myself, the deeper I fall in love with who I am. Despite this, there’s one label I’ve hesitated to fully own.

For years, I hesitated to call myself a *Shaman*. Not because I was ashamed, but because I recognize that being a Shaman means different things to different people and cultures. For some, it’s a calling rooted in specific traditions, gifts, or lineage; for others, it’s a path of deep connection to spirit and healing.

To me, I am more than a Shaman—every role I play, and everything I do—and I honor that complexity. My journey, my gifts, and my guides come from a unique place—one that cannot be fully captured by a single label. I respect the diverse meanings of the word, and I choose to embrace my truth beyond the confines of any one definition.

That’s why I’ve always gone by “Healer” since I started my journey. It felt like a way to stay open. But lately, I’ve noticed more situations where I’m called to truly embrace that part of myself—especially when it comes to my shamanic roots.

After much reflection, I’ve realized that labels aren’t always meant to confine us—they can create space for deeper connections and broader perspectives. Walking this sacred path has shown me how interconnected we truly are as souls—through every reincarnation, every lifetime. It makes me wonder if our labels are just acts of the ego, tests from the universe to remind us that beneath our differences, we are one.

Are these labels, these distinctions, illusions designed to challenge our capacity for love, respect, and unity? Or are they tools that continue to divide us, fueling separation and discord?

Perhaps the true journey isn’t about clinging to identities or roles but about embracing our unique path and recognizing the divine connection that binds us all. Maybe it’s in embracing our shared essence—beyond labels, beyond culture, beyond material forms—that we find our true strength. When we walk this path with awareness, we see every soul as a reflection of our own and choose love and respect over division—even when the ego tries to pull us apart.

Ultimately, I believe the universe is waiting for us to remember our oneness—that in our differences, there is beauty; in our diversity, divine purpose. It’s through that remembrance and acceptance that true healing begins.

**As leaders, healers, educators, and practitioners, how do you navigate identity and connection in your work and life? I invite your reflections and insights.**