Posted August 22nd, 2023
Life's journey can lead us down many paths, each with its own set of roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Along the way, we may lose sight of our true selves, buried beneath the layers of societal pressures, personal obligations, and external influences like judgment from friends or family. Rediscovering your lost identity is a powerful journey of self-exploration and renewal. In this blog post, we'll explore the profound process of reconnecting with your authentic self and reclaiming your identity.
The Essence of Identity:
Your identity is not a fixed, unchanging entity but a complex tale of your values, beliefs, passions, and experiences. It's the core of who you are, independent of the roles you play in life, such as a parent, partner, or professional. Rediscovering your lost identity involves peeling away these roles to reveal the essence of your true self. For Me, After Rhea was born, I immediately felt like the old me was gone. I was a father now, which was a very serious responsibility. The fun loving goof ball vanished overnight and only reappeared when her personality showed itself.
Signs of a Lost Identity:
- Feeling Disconnected: A sense of disconnection from your inner self and a feeling of living on autopilot.
- Loss of Passion: A lack of enthusiasm or passion for things you once loved or a sense of emptiness despite external success.
- Identity Crisis: Confusion or discomfort with your sense of self and a struggle to define your purpose and values.
- Seeking External Validation: Relying on external approval or validation to feel a sense of self-worth.
The Journey of Rediscovery:
- Self-Reflection: Start by setting aside time for self-reflection. Journaling, meditation, or deep introspection can help you explore your thoughts, emotions, and desires. I’ve been meditating regularly for a little over a year at this point and it has made a huge difference.
- Unearth Your Passions: Reconnect with activities or interests that once brought you joy. Explore new hobbies or revisit old ones to reignite your passions. Dig deep. You may find that which brought you joy as a child can be reignited. They may even align with something you have going on now that may bring your closer together with your children.
- Explore Your Values: Identify your core values and beliefs. What matters most to you? Aligning your life with these values can bring clarity and purpose. Making sure your social media timelines or FYP’s, are aligned as well. Curating your social media feed to align with your values has been a very positive change personally.
- Set Boundaries: Learn to set healthy boundaries in your relationships and commitments. Protect your time and energy to focus on your personal growth. Sometimes that means having a hard conversation and sometimes that means some people have to go if those boundaries are not respected or honored.
- Seek Support: Consider seeking support from a therapist, counselor, or a trusted friend or family member who can provide guidance and a listening ear. Especially to the Father’s out there. In our society we don’t talk about it enough. As men, we need to talk through our trials and tribulations instead of bottling it up because that can sometimes come at a detriment to our relationships. Asking for help is about the most courageous thing you can do. [STRENGTH +2].
- Embrace Positive Change: Be open to change and the uncertainty that comes with self-discovery. Growth often involves stepping outside your comfort zone. It may be scary or unnerving but that’s when you tap into your Superhero Courage
Embracing Your Authentic Self:
- Self-Acceptance: Embrace all aspects of yourself, including your flaws and imperfections. Self-acceptance is a crucial step in rediscovery. In order to Love others you must first Love yourself.
- Live with Intention: Make choices that align with your true self and values. Set intentions for how you want to live and who you want to be. Try Harder. Do More. Become Better.
- Mindfulness and Presence: Practice mindfulness to stay present in the moment and connect with your inner self. Mindfulness meditation can be a powerful tool.
Rediscovering your lost identity is a profound journey of self-exploration and renewal. It can also contribute to healing like I discussed in my last blog. It's about peeling away the layers of societal expectations and external influences to reconnect with your authentic self. I went to film school to be a writer but forgot that when I was a child I loved cartoons and wanted to be an animator. The characters and stories I had put away, do in fact have a place in my current life and business. In fact it’s been a healing process reconnecting with them because a lot of my personal trials and tribulations were hidden in the context of the stories. Embracing your true identity empowers you to live a more fulfilling, purpose-driven life, where your choices align with your values and passions. Remember, the journey of self-discovery is ongoing, and as you evolve, so does your sense of self. Embrace the process, and you'll find that rediscovering your lost identity is a transformative and liberating experience.