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Its peculiar how we fail to identify that the very thing we are seeking, is already within us. According to the great wisdom traditions, the act of seeking is fueled by a misperception of reality. The metaphorical reference point the lineage holders give us instead, speaks of an "unveiling" of what is already inherent. Picture it as a process of revealing, layer by layer. This may indicate that we don't need to go anywhere or do anything to be the person we want to be. Going somewhere and doing something may help reveal that inner authenticity, but they are not the source of our authenticity. In the above quote by Arthur Ashe, we are invited to go nowhere and do nothing but totally see what we have now in terms of raw materials. It's an act of self-validation that is required for the engine to start. Ask yourself: what is it that you're already doing and failing to acknowledge because you compare yourself to the norm, to what's expected of you. Perhaps you want to revisit what you were most passionate about as a child but gave it up for a more sensible path.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery, the author of The Little Prince talks so boldly about the power of imagination and the human heart when it's untainted by the mediocrity of adult life. The Little Prince is the embodiment of awe! He marvels at all things under the stars but is constantly met with the inhibited ways of the adults: self-controlled, proud, vein, predictable, greedy and lacking imagination.
In the play I saw last night, The Little Prince (played by a female actress) teaches Antoine de Saint-Exupery, a lesson on wisdom:
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly.
What's essential is invisible to the eye."
All of that said, the bottom-line is: you are enough, just as you are, to start being who you really are.
Don't know how to start? Stop what you're doing and listen! After all, mindfulness is all about listening. Listening is the activation of curiosity. So without getting metaphysical, just try and listen for your authentic self.
And if it still doesn't work, send me a message.