I can’t tell you how many of my clients have lost their sense of who they are. Have lost their spark.
They’re mostly in their forties and fifties, married (but not necessarily happily) or divorced and wanting to know what became of the woman they once were, who had daily goals, solid friendships and thrived on the challenges of running a home and career. They feel burnt out, overlooked and numb.
My diagnosis? You need to get back to yourself.
Once you know how to do that, you’ll appreciate what a rewarding but challenging journey it is. It involves taking a step back from the outside world, and taking a deep dive into who you are and what you truly want in life. Who you truly want to be. It involves finding your true north.
Here’s my 7 steps to help you get back to yourself.
- Disconnect from distractions. Put down your phone, take a break from social media, find time to be alone with your thoughts. Escape from information and distractions that erode rather than boost your sense of self.
- Work out what really matters to you and what you want to achieve in life. Reflect on your goals and values—write them down, and think about how you can align your actions with them.
- Re-discover your passions. Think about what you loved doing growing up and find ways to incorporate them into your daily life. Try a new workout, learn a craft (knitting is still cool), play an instrument, start painting.
- Practice mindfulness. It can help you focus on the present and become more aware of your feelings and thoughts. You can try mindfulness yoga, meditation or just go for a walk in nature.
- Exercise regularly. It’s a great mood booster and improves your physical and mental health. Pick something you’re doing because you love it, not because you think it will make you look better: swimming, running, rock climbing, you name it.
- Ask for help if you need it. It can be a hard thing to do but talking to a therapist, friend or doctor can make a big difference if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues.
- Connect with other people. Spend time with people who support and encourage you, and have similar values and interests.
Getting back to yourself isn’t a destination. It’s a process. It’s about working out what you want in life and taking the necessary steps to make it happen.
#personaldevelopment #selfdiscovery #selfacceptance #relationships #mindfulness #authenticity #values
