Who am I really? 5 tricky ways to know the real you.
It’s amazing, but true: it is quite ordinary for us to arrive in our forties, fifties, even sixties and seventies, and still not fully know who we are. Correction: we know who we are, but we often don’t own who we are with love, confidence, and affection. Today’s article will be short and sweet: 5 questions to prompt self-discovery:
- What makes you laugh? And along with that, how many times/day are you laughing? Google tells me children laugh more than 300x/day, while adults laugh fewer than 20. If you aren’t laughing at least 10 times per day, something needs to change. What is that part of you, and how can you give it more opportunity and space?
- Who do you envy? I could write a whole article on this, and perhaps I will. Envy is a really good way to figure out what you really want (usually you think you shouldn’t want it, so you might vilify it in someone else.) Caution! Your thoughts create, so instead of feeling that ugly green envy, think: “Good for them! If they can do it, so can I!”
- If you have gone through a divorce, what did you learn about yourself through that experience? What part of you will you never give up or compromise again at any cost?
- What did your mother compliment you on? You know, you always brushed it off and thought “yeah, but you’re my mother…” Own that compliment. It’s probably one of your strengths you take so much for granted you don’t even think of it as a strength anymore.
- What part of you do you make excuses for, and how can you frame it as a positive quality? Maybe you tend to run late, or your house is a mess. The new view:: You’re laid-back and easy going! You’ve learned to put your energy where it matters to you. Now you can ask for help with the rest. Maybe you’re a neat-nick and a controller. The new view: You are a powerful leader! Next, define your realm and own how powerful you are.
Here’s the truth: Who you are, is brilliant and gorgeous. Your job is to recognize that. Invite forward those parts you have cut off, or have labeled as undesirable. There are two sides (or more!) to every story, every behavior, etc. Be sure you consciously pick the side that reinforces your perfection. You get to live with yourself your whole life. So why not love that person? (I mean you!)
Coach’s Challenge: Answer the 5 questions above to grow your version of “Who am I really?” What are your insights? Leave a comment, share your journey!
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