In recent years, I’ve felt further from myself than ever before. This disconnect wasn’t triggered by a single event but rather a gradual erosion of my sense of identity. Life’s demands — raising two small children, navigating marriage challenges, enduring a grueling work schedule, dealing with health issues, and adjusting to a changing body — all contributed. Externally, everything seemed fine: increased income, healthy kids, a supportive husband, and a manageable job. But internally, I was struggling. Burnout hit hard, and recovering from it took time. This prompted me to embark on a journey of self-discovery, the journey of finding yourself again, one that I believe is ongoing for all of us.
If you’re feeling lost, take comfort in knowing that this journey starts the moment you’re born. Life is a continuous process of self-discovery, and if you’re feeling disconnected, you’ve already begun the journey. Through my exploration, I’ve found valuable insights and practices to share. One significant concept that guided me is Ikigai, particularly the teachings of Mieko Kamiya, as introduced by Nick Kemp.
Understanding the Need to Find Yourself Again
We often lose touch with our true selves gradually, influenced by societal expectations and external pressures. This disconnection might stem from major life events like becoming a parent or changing careers, or from the slow erosion of self through routine and obligation. In my case, it was a combination of both, exacerbated by my tendency to seek validation through pleasing others.
Socrates’ timeless advice, “Know thyself,” underscores the importance of self-awareness and the quest of finding yourself again and again. Yet, in our busy lives, we often neglect to ask these profound questions. We become so engrossed in our roles — worker, parent, spouse — that our internal identity fades. Regaining this sense of self starts with introspection and understanding why the disconnect occurred.
The Ikigai Approach to Finding Yourself Again
My path to rediscovering myself was deeply influenced by Mieko Kamiya’s interpretation of Ikigai, a Japanese concept often misunderstood. While the common view of Ikigai intersects passion, mission, profession, and vocation, Kamiya’s approach emphasizes embracing core values and inner fulfillment.
Guided by Nick Kemp, who introduced me to this deeper perspective, I learned that true Ikigai involves connecting with what genuinely brings joy and meaning to your life. This approach helped me navigate my loss of identity by focusing on personal values and aspirations rather than external pressures. Embracing this understanding of Ikigai led me to a more authentic sense of purpose. It’s not about finding a single purpose but engaging in an ongoing journey of self-discovery. If you’re feeling disconnected, exploring this deeper concept of Ikigai might help you reconnect with your true self. Finding yourself again takes time and effort, but it can be a joyful experience.
Creative Drama Techniques for Self-Exploration
Creative drama provides an active and interactive way to explore different facets of your identity. Through imaginative play, you can uncover aspects of of finding yourself again that might be obscured in everyday life.
Try role-playing different aspects of yourself. Imagine being your most authentic self and act out how this version of you would handle various situations. For example, how would your most confident self approach a challenging conversation? This exercise helps you reconnect with qualities or values that daily routines may overshadow.
Another effective technique is journaling from the perspective of your future self. Write a letter detailing your achievements, feelings, and insights from the viewpoint of who you aspire to become. This exercise clarifies your long-term goals and helps align your current actions with your envisioned future self.
Creative drama encourages experimentation and self-reflection, providing a safe space to explore and reconnect with your true self. By incorporating these techniques, you can gain valuable insights and foster a deeper connection with who you really are.
Philosophical Reflection: How to Know If You’re on the Right Path
Philosophy teaches us to question our assumptions and seek a deeper understanding of our purpose. Regular philosophical reflection can help ensure you’re living authentically and staying aligned with your true self.
Ask yourself fundamental questions: Am I living in alignment with my core values? Are my actions and decisions reflective of the person I aspire to become? These questions help you assess whether you’re staying true to your authentic self or need to adjust your path.
Incorporate reflective practices like journaling, meditation, or quiet self-reflection into your routine. Journaling allows you to document your thoughts and experiences, while meditation and quiet reflection help you connect with your inner values. Regularly engaging in these practices can help you stay grounded and ensure that your actions align with your true self.
6 In-Depth Tips to Begin Your Journey of Finding Yourself Again
- Begin a Personal Journal: Set aside time each day to journal your thoughts and feelings. Focus on areas where you feel disconnected from your true self. Use prompts like, “When did I feel most myself today?” or “What aspects of my life feel out of alignment?” This practice helps you identify patterns and gain insight into your authentic self.
- Explore Your Core Values: Identify your top five core values and reflect on how they influence your decisions and actions. For example, if honesty is a core value, assess whether you are consistently living truthfully. Write down how each value impacts your daily behavior and consider adjustments needed to align more closely with them.
- Try a Creative Drama Exercise: Engage in role-playing exercises to explore different aspects of yourself. Imagine you are acting as your most authentic self in a challenging situation. What choices would this version of you make? This exercise allows you to experiment with different aspects of your identity and gain clarity on what feels true to you.
- Reflect on a Philosophical Question: Integrate philosophical reflection into your routine by asking deep questions such as, “Am I living authentically?” or “What are my true priorities?” Take time each day to meditate on these questions and write down your responses. This practice helps align your daily actions with your deeper values and aspirations.
- Create a Vision Board: Design a vision board representing your goals, aspirations, and the person you want to become. Include images, quotes, and words that resonate with your ideal self and life. This visual tool serves as a constant reminder of your goals and keeps you motivated.
- Seek Professional Guidance: If you struggle to navigate this journey alone, consider seeking guidance from a coach or therapist. These professionals can provide valuable insights, tools, and support tailored to your unique needs. Look for a coach or therapist specializing in personal growth who aligns with your values and goals.
Conclusion
The journey to finding yourself again is a deeply personal and transformative process. By integrating principles of Ikigai, creative drama techniques, and philosophical reflection, you can begin to reconnect with your true self and gain a clearer sense of direction and purpose. Remember, this journey is about ongoing self-discovery and growth, not a final destination. Stay tuned for future blog posts where we will delve deeper into these concepts and provide more practical tools and insights to support your path. Embrace each step of the process, and let your journey to self-discovery unfold.