How to Rediscover Yourself

Do you know who you are? Do you know what you want to accomplish? Do you feel lost and empty? Do you wonder where, when, how, or why you lost yourself? Do you feel stuck?

Women especially often find themselves with such questions swirling through their minds. As the female, we tend to take on a huge amount of responsibility, whether it is necessary or not. We are the nurturers, the home makers, the foundation of our homes. Yet, far too often, women set aside everything they are--all their hopes and dreams--in order to take care of their families. While this is an awesome and important undertaking, we must not forget ourselves in the process.

If you are finding yourself at a loss as to who you are, the following tips will give you some simple, but proven ways, you can begin to rediscover who you are again.

Step 1: Plan for some alone time.

The first step to self-discovery is to make time for you again. This cannot be something like a grocery trip, even though you go alone. Your alone time should be quality time, and not serve a double-purpose (such as running errands). Your alone time should be no less than thirty minutes in length, but an hour if possible. It should be a time when you can relax and allow your mind to empty and unwind from all the cares of your life. It might take several weeks of this alone time for you to begin to learn how to do a mind dump more quickly, then you can begin focusing on yourself again.

Step 2: Try something new.

One of the first things that go out the window for many women is individuality. When you become wrapped up in everything about life, you might start to slowly neglect yourself a little at a time first. Then, ever so slowly, your individuality is eroded away by you giving yourself to everyone else and leaving little time for you. To get back on track of rediscovering who you are, try something new. Rekindle the enjoyment you once possessed for a hobby or art. Or try your hand at something you've never done before.

Step 3: Go for a walk.

There are times when moments of self-discovery happen in the quiet and simplicity of such activities as walking. When you go for a reflective walk, you take deep, meaningful strides. Notice your surroundings. Capture images of nature in your mind's eye to hold and remember later if you feel like you're losing a grip on finding yourself again. Notice other people around you; their body language, conversation, outward appearances. Note your mental process as you take all this in. Allow this time to be a space where you begin the inner search to answer questions on your mind. Sometimes simply connecting with nature can help unlock certain keys to your own self-discovery.

Step 4: Spend time in meditation.

Meditation is often either overlooked or ignored, for various reasons. Some believe that meditation is a new-age process, and thus don't even attempt to learn more about it. However, meditation for many is merely a time set apart in each day, to sit in the quiet and release every negative thought, feeling, or emotion from the mind. Some people do this by sitting cross-legged, or in another comfortable position, eyes closed, concentrating on breathing, while pushing away all thoughts from the mind. Many others meditate with quiet Bible reading and prayer. Whatever way you choose to meditate, it is proven that this quiet time can be greatly helpful in releasing negative energy and make room for positive enlightenment, which is what you are searching for.

Step 5: Keep a journal.

You might already keep a journal. If so, this is great, and you should continue doing so. If you don't journal, now would be a great time to begin. Journaling does not require that you sit for long periods of time and write lengthy narratives by hand. It can take the form of blogging, or mini-blogging, as is popular today. Keeping a private journal, though, has great benefits because it is a safe place away from nosy eyes, where you can vent your thoughts and express your hopes and dreams without fear of outside influence.

In closing, remember that it is okay if you feel lost. Feeling like you've lost your sense of self is something normal that many experience. Planning to spend some time alone and trying new things are two very easy ways to begin figuring out who you are again. Enjoying the beauty of nature with a walk, meditating quietly for fifteen minutes a day, and journaling are useful tools for this journey of self-discovery as well.