In a recent podcast episode, Joy Behar, the Emmy-nominated co-host of The View, shared an intriguing perspective on finding one's purpose in life. Her advice? Look back to your childhood, specifically to the age of ten, for clues about your true calling.
Behar's commentary on this topic is not only insightful but also deeply personal. She believes that the person you were at ten years old can offer a unique glimpse into your true self and your future path. This idea is particularly fascinating because it challenges the conventional notion of self-discovery as a linear process, suggesting instead that our past selves hold the key to our future selves.
The Power of Childhood Innocence
One of the key points Behar makes is that at ten years old, children are often carefree and unconcerned with societal pressures. They haven't yet developed insecurities about their appearance or social status. As Behar puts it, "You don't care about your hair or how fat you are, how skinny you are, and all this stuff." This freedom allows children to explore and express themselves authentically, without the filters and constraints that often come with adulthood.
Reflecting on Our True Selves
Behar encourages us to reflect on who we were at ten years old. She describes herself as a "curly-headed, skinny roller-skating maven" who loved playing sports and making people laugh. This self-awareness and acceptance of her true self, even at a young age, is inspiring. It's a reminder that we often know our passions and strengths early on, but societal expectations and pressures can sometimes lead us astray.
The Impact of Personality
Behar's anecdotes about her talkative nature in high school and junior high are a perfect example of how personality can influence our life path. She reveals that her chattiness led to her missing out on academic awards, as her personality was held against her. This is a common occurrence, where societal norms and expectations can stifle our true selves. It's a powerful reminder that our unique personalities, if embraced, can be our greatest strengths.
A Deeper Reflection
Behar's commentary raises a deeper question: Do we truly change as we age, or do we simply become more aware of societal expectations and pressures? Her perspective suggests that our true selves remain constant, and it's only our awareness and understanding of ourselves that evolve. This idea challenges the notion of self-reinvention and instead promotes self-acceptance and authenticity.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Joy Behar's insights offer a refreshing take on self-discovery and purpose. By encouraging us to look back to our childhood selves, she highlights the importance of authenticity and self-awareness. It's a powerful reminder that our true calling may have been with us all along, waiting to be rediscovered and embraced.
