Levels of not knowing 1

 in May 2021: Camouflage / Radio Scripts  tagged Henry Nouwen / identity / journey by

I often think that I truly know myself but then sometimes I am absolutely surprised by myself.

It’s like a part of me has been camouflaged, cloaked and held in secret. 

Sometimes unexpected thoughts come into mind and they question things that just last year I felt sure about.  Other times unexpected emotions that just erupt, like a volcano they have been sitting silent for years, but they are now telling me there is something below the surface I need to examine. Encouragingly there are times when I have been surprised by a gift or ability that I have simply because someone said, ‘try this’!

Henry Nouwen said, “hidden in us there are levels of not knowing, not understanding and not feeling that can only be revealed in us in our moments of great crisis.”

I believe this too.  A significant change on our life’s journey; perhaps the loss of someone, a relational breakdown or career harm somehow brings an opportunity to see an aspect of ourselves that was once hidden; in the midst of significant change a new self emerges.

There may well be grief over loss and change but we can be cheerful in the new we are discovering.

No Regrets

Penny

About Penny

Penny was born in England, raised in New Zealand, lived in America and settled in Perth, Australia. Together with her husband Mark, she is raising a teenage daughter and has twin twenty-something sons. "Coming home at the end of a solid working day to family and friends is my delight" says Penny, Co-author of the book – She’s Not Your Competition. She is a heart-felt communicator who believes in the power of a person’s story. Penny has over 25 years experience as a high level leader and spokesperson in both the private and non-profit sectors with significant public relations experience. She is currently the CEO of South Coastal Women's Health Services, and prior on the Leadership Teams of Rise Network and Riverview supporting people in areas of mental health, domestic and family violence, and children overseas at risk of exploitation. She holds an MBA and MBL, and is a Board Director for the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia. For the past 15 years she has provided pro-bono support as a mentor for leaders and consultant to not for profits. Penny’s personal life endeavour is a determination to "make life better not bitter".

One thought on “Levels of not knowing”

  • Valmai

    Your words and the profound quote from Henri Nouwen speaks deep into my heart today. This is precisely where I find myself right now. Thank you Penny.

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