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the Chip

Have you ever heard someone described as having a chip on their shoulder?  Perhaps it was even you.  I’ve been thinking about that and what we consider a chip.  It’s an attitude—aggrieved, entitled, disgruntled or angry. 

 I think that the chip was created out of repressed or squelched expression. When you wanted to pursue a particular dream or career and were told that wasn’t doable, that you couldn’t make a living at that, or you wouldn’t succeed.  Or your very personality, sexuality, or life choices were rejected, not good enough, or the person you are won’t fit in.  When you are told to hide who you are and to be less than authentic it creates resentment.  

 Try to see whatever chip you are carrying on your shoulder as the passion or authentic self that has been repressed and held down.  There are always forces coming from outside and inside of you with these messages, attempting to make you follow a well-traveled path or hold in your natural spirit.

 A chip is feeling unheard, misunderstood, squelched, discouraged, and saved from disappointment.  All result in the purpose, the meaning, the gift of you being pushed deep down inside, so deep it is lost.  And all you are left with is the grudge, the chip, the baggage you carry around as a truth.

Whoever is squelching you may have good reasons for what they say.  They usually think they do.  And, perhaps if we weren’t each glorious godlings with individual passions, gifts, talents, and purpose we could apply universal principles to career choices or personal expression of self.  Yet, we are each perfectly unique. 

 There are universal truths about the power of love, the freedom of honesty and the satisfaction of meaning.  There are none guiding your authentic self.  Certainly, we have rules written and not about how we “should” show up in the world.  And most of us follow those.  None of them constrict your self expression, how to use your talents, your lifestyle or personality.

 Free yourself from the chip and be the amazing person that longs for expression.


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