What makes you tick? What floats your boat? What puts a spring in your step?
No matter how you phrase it, quirky questions like these seek the same answer: What motivates you and drives your purpose and passion for living?
The Art of Self-Reflection
Self-reflecting may sound intimidating, but it's simply having a deep conversation with yourself.
It's a chance to quietly examine your thoughts, feelings, motivations, and life experiences. How do these affect your values, behaviors, and interactions with others?
This intentional introspection leads you to see a deeper, more complex, or more impressive side of yourself than what others may initially see.
It develops self-awareness, enhances mindful decision-making, and better emotional management. More importantly, it can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself, improved relationships, and a more fulfilling life.
By making time to reflect, you'll gain insights into your authentic self, which will help you find a deeper understanding of your purpose and place in the world.
Bravely accept the revelations you'll discover about yourself and expect positive transformations.
Preparing for Self-Reflection
Make it a date! Schedule time on your calendar the same way you would any other appointment. We all know that if we don't plan for it, it won't happen.
Adding it to your calendar will help you develop a daily or weekly routine. Do yourself a favor and commit to keeping these personal dates to yourself.
As you begin to see your personal development unfold, you'll soon cherish this sacred time and look forward to every date.
Choose a quiet, comfortable space with no distractions. A safe space where your thoughts and emotions can freely flow.
For introverts, immersing themselves in a quiet space may feel cozy and natural. For extroverts, the sound of silence and void of activity may initially feel awkward or uncomfortable.
Either way, give yourself time to settle in and fully immerse yourself in this process of self-discovery.
Write Your Way to Self-Discovery
As you settle into your safe space, allow your thoughts, emotions, and ideas to flow uninterrupted and without reservations.
Write in a journal as you go to capture every thought and emotion. Blank-lined journals offer ample space to write freely without guidance or direction. In contrast, journals with prompts encourage more structured reflection.
Some people prefer the freedom and creativity of blank-lined journals. While others like the structure of journals with guided prompts.
There is no right or wrong choice. It's your personal preference.
Getting Started
An easy way to get started is to think about what you like most about yourself.
As you reflect on your greatest assets, ask yourself questions and record the answers in your journal.
Think about traits, such as …
Do you enjoy making people laugh? What is your style of humor? Is it like someone else in your family? How does it make you feel bringing laughter to others?
Are you athletic? Do you prefer recreational or competitive sports? Does the camaraderie of team spirit bring you joy? Are you most comfortable as a player, or do you like the leadership challenge, such as being a coach or trainer?
What are your moral or spiritual beliefs? Do these beliefs align with your upbringing? Or were they acquired in adulthood? What is your guide for right or wrong standards? Do your beliefs have a positive impact on others?
These are a few starter questions that may or may not apply to you. They're simply ideas to help you start your self-reflective journey.
Use these as a guide to jumpstart your mind and get yourself thinking about your unique qualities.
Start by identifying one attribute at a time. Ask yourself questions along the way. Associate the emotions of how your unique qualities make you feel and how they impact others.
Once you dive deep into your self-discovery journey, you'll find that thoughts come more easily and questions come more naturally.
Uncomfortable Truths
It's as the subtitle suggests. Sometimes, your journey of self-discovery will reveal uncomfortable truths about you.
You are not alone. It is okay to admit your shortcomings.
Fully embracing the journey of self-reflection involves facing your weaknesses and shortcomings.
We all have imperfections. Don't dismiss them or shy away from facing these uncomfortable truths.
Although I'm not a mental or behavioral health expert, I've learned from my journey that acknowledging your shortcomings is the only way to grow. Only then can you begin making progress on the path toward perfection.
Ask yourself some tough questions, such as:
What am I afraid of?
Why is it so hard for me to forgive others?
Why is it difficult to let go of a grudge?
What causes my anxiety?
Why am I painfully shy?
What makes me feel insecure about my job performance?
Again, you may not relate to any of these questions. These are just a few ideas to get you thinking.
Just start with one area and break it down by asking yourself questions. Remember, this is your self-reflective journey. There are no stupid questions, and no questions are off-limits.
Keep it real and honest. As you progress in your journey of self-reflection, you will gradually uncover and reveal the core of your issues.
Uncovering painful feelings such as embarrassment, shame, or guilt may be too much to bear. If so, invite a trusted friend or loved one to be nearby if you need a shoulder to cry on.
And if you feel the need, consider working with a trusted mental health expert. Remember, facing these truths is a brave step toward personal growth.
Work to improve your imperfections and never let unresolved weaknesses block you from being blessed and from being a blessing to others.
Emerge a New You
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery is more than a practice. It's the art of self-reflection, pathway to a more prosperous, more fulfilling life.
Ana Sneeringer, a self-taught international artist and journalist, often uses painting to self-reflect. Ana encourages us by saying, "Let's dive into the depths of existence together, exploring the beauty and complexity of what it means to be human, one brushstroke at a time."
You are human. Spend time with yourself and explore the beauty and complexity of what it means for you to be human.
Be patient through every step of the process, especially the uncomfortable parts. Remember to extend grace and be kind to yourself. This journey is about self-compassion and growth, not perfection.
Your story is unique, and every page you write brings you closer to the best version of yourself. Use these insights to help you see what makes you tick.
Your life is a journey that moves you from one stage to the next. Lead your life with the beauty of your gifts and strengths.
Keep journaling, keep growing, and never stop believing in your incredible potential!
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