There are currently 1,507,555 posts tagged with #bestself on Instagram.
When I click to see the posts I am greeted with squares upon squares of women showing their weight loss/muscle gain process, self-help quotes, coaching sales posts, and more.
I am not here to bash anyone trying to be a better version of themselves, or trying to create a business around helping people better themselves.
I am doing the same thing.
What I am here to do is ask the question, What is this “Best Self” we are all being promised? Or, if you are the self-development professional, what is the “Best Self” you are promising your potential clients?
Is the “Best Self” real or a myth?
Recently, I’ve truly stepped into the “Best Self” I was dreaming of becoming for the last 5 years.
I made the life changing move from Chicago to a small “city” in Texas. I lived in Chicago for seven years and always wanted to leave for a place filled with green and natural spaciousness where I could feel at ease. Now I do.
"Best Self" Dream Achieved.
I got my dream childcare position, with a dream family, and a dream salary.
"Best Self" Dream Achieved.
I am finally pursuing my aspirations of writing, holistic mentoring, and community facilitating.
"Best Self" Dream Achieved.
At least half the week I wake up and journal, meditate, move, and connect with myself and Spirit before being on my phone.
"Best Self" Dream Achieved.
I could go on, but I think you get the point. I’ve stepped into the “Best Self” I’ve wanted to be for years. I’ve conquered many of the destructive habits that kept me from being my “Best Self” and I’ve worked hard to create this life I am now living.
But, do I feel like my “Best Self?”
No.
Not at all.
I rest in gratitude for all I have and how far I have come, but after that rest I see how much I still have to grow, and how much I still want to achieve. I feel nowhere close to my “Best Self.”
Want to know why?
Because our “Best Self” is a myth.
Are there Future Selves or Higher Selves guiding us with a trail of synchronistic breadcrumbs to the next phase of our lives? I think so.
But this is very different from the promise of “becoming our best self.”
The “Best Self” promise alludes to an end point. Where is there to go after you’ve reached “Best?”
Bestest? Best Bestest? Best Best Bestest? This brings me back to the days of BFF bracelets and not being able to decide the ranks of one’s “best” friends.
The point is, there is nowhere to go after “Best.” Any promise of “Best” is selling us the falsehood that once we achieve our “Best” (through their product) we will be completely happy, content, satisfied, and no longer desire more in life. Once we’ve achieved our “Best” we can finally accept ourselves.
The Universe simply doesn’t work this way.
Hold on Everyone, because this is where we get spiritual and philosophical…
Continued in “The Truth of Your Best Self.”