How do I learn who I am?
As we grow up from childhood to the teenage years and then to adults, we realise that we have all along learned and listened to what the world or those around us have said to us.
Many have become doctors, lawyers, engineers amongst others not because it is what they really want but because it is what the world validates.
Truthfully, we are a sum total of the kind of environment we come from until there is a paradigm shift and we begin to learn who we really are.
While some grow up in an atmosphere where their thoughts and opinions are regarded, many grow up suffering from identity crises.
When young adults are left to go with what others think, they may not realise that they too should have their own identity and ideas.
Eventually, they become adults who allow others to make decisions for them, hence, encouraging an unhealthy sense of self.
They become less connected to themselves and feel their lives are nothing to write home about.
But when we are optimally aware and conscious of our own identity, we make decisions for ourselves and focus on what makes life more satisfying.
There is an opportunity to connect with people who are emotionally strong and with whom we are naturally at ease with.
A practice on the following tips can help you learn who you are:
1. STUDY YOURSELF:
Getting to recognize your individuality gives you an upper edge in learning about yourself.
You may start by journalling things about you. They could be the things you like, things that turn you off, things that are engaging to you, how you feel after each recreational activity, the books and movies that fascinates you, your aspirations, your thoughts on careers, sports, politics, entertainment and other things you may want to add to your life.
What makes you feel at peace within yourself?
2. MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS:
This is a skill you would have to practice and learn over time. You would need to learn how to develop your decision making skill as you journey through self-discovery.
Say something about anything you’re involved in whether others may like it or not. You have a voice and the right to use it. Own it.
At first I found it really hard to make a decision and stick to it. But practice make better and you will become stronger at making your own decisions and sticking to them when you start seeing the results that please you.
3. BE THE LEAD:
It’s your life. Take responsibility for it.
Don’t wait for life to happen to you, be the one to happen to your life.
Begin by leading in the things that you are passionate about. It could be setting out a time to write (early hours of the morning or during your lunch break), going to the cinema to see a movie with some friends, shopping for groceries, going to a place of nature and just breathing or calling up your friends for a catch up.
4. LEARN MORE:
There’s always something new to discover about yourself. The self is like a growing spiral spreading like the galaxy, the more it spreads the more it evolves.
FINAL THOUGHT:
A big part of learning who I am is to invest the time in me.
What do I like?
Why do I like what I like?
How does it make me feel?
This will help you to learn what really makes you tick.
What really makes you happy, helps you to find peace in your life.
You could also think of it this way, it is like going on a date, or meeting someone new. The more you like the person the more time you invest in them.
Well you are all you got, so get to at least like yourself and treat yourself well and invest more time finding out more about YOU.
Remember Todayz The Day to start investing in YOU.
