If you’re of my age and anything like me, the very title of this post has a particular song playing in your head.
Even though this theme is from the OG CSI, I immediately picture Horatio Caine slipping on his sunglasses.
The question of “Who are you?” also conjures up images of Alice in Wonderland. Specifically, when Alice encounters the caterpillar smoking a hookah pipe (how did I not question this as a child?) and singing the vowels alphabetically back and forth. When he sees Alice, he leans in close and asks, “Who. Are. You?”
When’s the last time you leaned in close and asked who are you?
Knowing who you are at every level is key to experiencing and receiving the most from life. As we move through life, growing older in age and wisdom, going through different stages, we change. The person we were in our 20s and 30s, the difference in our careers, our relationship statuses, and our family structure all shape and impact who we are.
But that doesn’t mean we should stop honoring the person we are. As we get older and experience more things, we should always be on a journey of discovering who we are.
You might be asking why. You may be thinking your life is full with family, friends, work and commitments. Why is self-discovery so important? Why should making time to stay connected to who you are be a priority?
I’m so glad you asked.
Reinvention of who you are. Mel Robbins is one of my favorite authors, podcasters and experts on behavior change. In her early 50s, she excitedly shares she has reinvented herself multiple times over the years. She even has a series on Audible called “Reinvent Your Life.” As women navigate through different life stages, roles and responsibilities, we may experience shifts in our personal identity. The period between 35-55 often involves life changes like career advancement or redirection, raising and launching older children or empty nesting. Engaging in self-discovery allows us to reconnect with our most authentic selves, beyond who society and those around us say we should be. By understanding our core values, passions, interests and dreams, we can reinvent our personal identity and lead a more fulfilling life.
Nurturing Mental and Emotional Well-being. As much as we may not like to admit it, being in and around the 40s means we are either approaching or are entirely in middle age. The middle-age years can be emotionally complex, as we may face challenges like increased stress, anxiety, or a sense of emptiness. Engaging in self-discovery provides a space to delve into emotional well-being, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence. By this point, we’ve collected enough life experience and, hopefully, have developed the maturity to heal and learn from what is behind us. Through introspection and self-reflection, we can identify and address unresolved issues, heal emotional wounds, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. This process can lead to improved mental well-being, increased resilience, and a more profound sense of inner peace and contentment.
Cultivating Self-Confidence and Empowerment. This may be my very part of self-discovery. Without a sound sense of self-confidence, anything we believe about ourselves is false. It’s a belief in who we are hoping we can eventually be, or faking that we are, hoping no one notices. I know this to be true because I lived it for much of my life. It wasn’t until I took steps to discover who I am and who God made me to be that I developed true, strong self-confidence. Self-discovery empowers us to recognize our strengths, talents, and unique qualities. Through self-discovery, we acknowledge our past achievements, building our self-confidence and ability to achieve future goals. Even more, as we explore our passions and interests, we may uncover untapped potentials that unlock a renewed sense of purpose and direction. A well-built self-assurance is great for our mindset and outlet, but it also positively impacts other parts of our lives, including our personal relationships and professional pursuits.
You are so much more than a position in your family or a job title. You are uniquely created by God with many beautiful qualities and talents. Believe in who you are. Prioritizing self-discovery can be transformative, helping you to reconnect and embrace your most authentic self.
There is only one you, and you’ve got only one life. Choose to believe you are worth knowing and experiencing all the Something More that YOUR life has for you.
“Where you are today is not where you have to be forever. You may not want to embrace where you are, but it is so incredibly important for you to embrace who you are.” -Chrystal Evans Hurst