Finding Myself Outside the Box: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Hey everyone, I wanted to share a bit about my journey of finding my authentic self outside the box that society often tries to squeeze us into. For years, I lived my life according to the “shoulds” and “have-tos” of society. You know, the expected path: get good grades, get a good job, find a partner, buy a house, the whole shebang. And honestly? I was miserable.
I felt like I was playing a character, reciting lines that weren’t my own. I was so focused on pleasing everyone else, on fitting in, that I completely lost touch with who I truly was.
The Awakening:
Then, slowly but surely, things started to shift. I started asking myself some tough questions: What actually makes me happy? What are my values, not just the ones I was taught? What do I really want out of life?
It wasn’t easy. I had to confront some uncomfortable truths about myself and the expectations that had been placed on me. I realized that I was carrying around a whole lot of baggage: limiting beliefs, societal pressures, and the fear of disappointing others.
Unraveling the “Shoulds”:
The biggest step was unraveling those “shoulds.” I started to question everything:
- “Should” I stay in this job that drains me? Nope.
- “Should” I care so much about what other people think? Absolutely not.
- “Should” I prioritize material possessions over experiences? Hell no.
As I started shedding these “shoulds,” a funny thing happened: I started to feel lighter. I felt like I was finally breathing fresh air after being trapped in a stuffy room for far too long.
Finding My Authentic Self:
I realized that I needed to redefine success on my own terms. For me, that meant prioritizing my well-being, connecting with my spirituality, pursuing my passions (like writing poetry, yoga, Reiki!), and living in alignment with my values.
It meant breaking free from the societal expectations that had been holding me back and creating a life that felt truly authentic to me.
My advice:
- Question everything: Don’t just accept things as they are. Ask yourself why you believe what you believe.
- Listen to your intuition: Your inner voice knows what’s best for you. Trust it.
- Embrace your uniqueness: You are special and valuable exactly as you are.
- Be patient with yourself: This is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs.
Breaking free from societal expectations and living your authentic life isn’t always easy, but it’s the most rewarding thing you can do. It’s about reclaiming your power, honoring your truth, and creating a life that feels truly aligned with your soul. And trust me, it’s so worth it!