The REAL Question You’re Asked At The Pearly Gates…

Have you ever watched Inside the Actor’s Studio hosted by James Lipton on A&E?

I don’t watch it that often, but when I do, I love the seemingly inane questions Lipton asks each person toward the end of their interview.

Like, what is your favorite word? Or what sound or noise do you love?

Such interesting morsels come out of these deceptively simple and silly questions.

His last question, If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear G-d say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?, is perhaps the most insightful – except I think, if I may dare say, it’s a bit misstated.

And I didn’t realize that until I went to Rosh Hashanah services last week.

What James Lipton meant to ask…

Now, don’t worry. This isn’t a post about religion or G-d. (I only lightly practice the former and am still a bit mad at the latter for not giving me better hair!)

But it is about a question that the rabbi asked during Rosh Hashanah services that is a great question for each of us, no matter what religion we practice (or don’t).

And, it’s not so much about what we’d like to hear G-d say to us at the pearly gates, as James Lipton suggests, but about what we can expect G-d to ask us at the pearly gates, as the rabbi suggests.

Asked the rabbi…

Did you be yourself in this world? Have you been YOU?

Great question, huh? Definitely one to think about even now, before we arrive at the pearly gates.

How would YOU answer that question?

If you were to look back on your life so far, would you say that you have been yourself?

If not, what things can you do right now to be yourself more, to love and accept yourself exactly as you are? Try this for starters…

:: | Be picky about who you allow into your life.

I love the point in life when you really realize that no one deserves a place in your life if they don’t love you for who you are − quirks, ticks and all. Really, remember that. You are not obligated to keep anyone in your life that does not allow you to be yourself. Only surround yourself with people who are rooting for you to be you – not judging you for it! (<– Tweet this!)

:: | Look only to yourself for approval.

I love, love, love something I just heard Pastor Rick Warren say on Oprah’s Lifeclass − “If you live for the approval of others, you will die by their rejection.” Here’s the question I want you to ask yourself every time you’re relying on someone else’s definition or approval of who you are. Who says that they are right? Remember what I said here, when I said that, if they haven’t walked in your shoes, chances are they’re not.

:: | Find inspiration everywhere.

In a song. In other people’s stories. In nature. In books. In a powerful quote. You name it. Inspiration is literally everywhere if we’re open to seeing it. And, of course, you can always read my blog (especially or this post or this one)!

:: ::

Every day is another opportunity to take a step toward being yourself. Take a little action each day and, by the time you reach the pearly gates, you’ll be able to answer the rabbi’s question with a resounding “yes”!

To being yourself, 

 

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