Getting Back Yourself

Now this article may not be for everyone, but for those who have experienced loss of self due to difficult situations in life, this may resonate.

As I have experienced a sense of loss before, finding and reaching a place of self-discovery and appreciation is a journey in itself. Many times you feel alone, confused and reach a place where your level of confidence is far from its peak. This is the point at which you may just need to get back to yourself. 

Here we go

So, how does any one of us fight this battle of feeling lost and then get back to where we feel "like ourselves again" - where we are comfortable in our own skin once more?

Here are a few practical steps to getting back to yourself.

1) Practice gratitude. Appreciate who and what you have in your life. Appreciate where you are in life and how far you have come. 

Life is a journey that takes us on paths to growth and self-discovery. Yes, we learn from our mistakes at times, and sometimes uncomfortable situations we encounter, but reaching a place of appreciation for those people and experiences steer us in the right direction to loving or enjoying the here and now - and not dwelling on the past. 

We are not here on this planet by chance but to fulfil our purpose. Fulfilling our purpose involves how we give of ourselves - being selfless and mindful that what we do for others, with the right attitude and motives, really counts.

2) Recall the things that once excited you about living or being alive. Let's face it, we all have days when we may not feel our best selves, but by staying focused on what is important to us in life, brings a sense of fulfilment and enjoyment. These may include the company of close family, such as a spouse, children or grandchildren, your career, involvement in social groups or your hobbies. 

Whatever those people or things may be, reintroduce yourself to the qualities that attracted you to them, and that bring you excitement. Remember, enjoying the here and now is important. So, it may be best that we don't neglect or minimize the impact these people or things have on us finding fulfillment and enjoyment.

3) Be ready to make bold moves. So, what does this mean? It means not staying in your comfort zone just because it's easy and feels natural. I am not referring to taking uncalculated risks or being irresponsible, but rather, doing things that are for you.

If you have lived a life dedicated to making sacrifices for others, this one will definitely be a challenge. 

You may want to consider taking a vacation, maybe changing your career, pampering yourself for a few hours once in a while, or just spending some alone time enjoying your hobbies, whether going fishing, reading, writing, going for a long walk, photography, or gardening. These might be good ways in which you can reset if you are feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities.

Back on track

Getting back yourself is a process that takes time and dedication. Let's face it, we love to be around people who are authentic, so why can't we be this person for ourselves?

Learn to enjoy your life again and be the best version of yourself. Embrace your journey. Embrace yourself.

By Ruth Ferguson