What is IDENTITY VS. FUNCTION?

Do you IDENTIFY with the roles you play in your life…or do you FUNCTION in those roles?

For example, if I “identify” with being a Mom…what happens to me when my kids grow up? But if I “function” as a Mom…I can continually meet my kids in the moment with whatever is required (which is always changing).

Here’s another example: My “identity” as a yoga teacher got ROCKED in March 2020 when I suddenly stopped teaching. Who am I, and what is my value if I’m not teaching yoga?

Now, I “function” as a yoga teacher. I lead and hold space for peoples’ practices and processes. And if I stopped teaching tomorrow, I would be OK…affirmed in a Self that is not based on my role as a yoga teacher.

How about you? What roles are sticky for you? When do the lines of “identity” vs. “function” get blurred for you?

Photo credit: To Catch the Moment Photography