Finding Yourself

Self-discovery is one of the hardest feats for man to accomplish. But everyone who ever went on to do mighty exploits had to first discover themselves. They had to know their strengths and understand their weaknesses, then capitalize on the former while working on the latter to create a productive balance.

Here I explore six ways to discover who you are and what you’re here for.

Make time for Solitude.
Solitude is the soul’s best friend, and it’s ideal for discovering who we are. A quiet environment is good for meditation and helps one reach out into the depth of one’s soul. By tapping into that depth, we are able to get a glimpse into who we really are. Sometimes, you have to step back from the crowd and fast-paced daily routine to be able to hear from the real you, from the inner you.

“The best thinking has been done in solitude.” — Thomas A. Edison.

Find what you’re passionate about or good at.
We are all endowed with unique skills and abilities that set us apart from the next person. Unfortunately, many people spend their entire lives oblivious to this fact. Instead of seeking personal authenticity, they pursue passions and ambitions because their friends or families suggested to them or showed disapproval of their choices. Yet until one finds that pursuit that sets their hearts afire, they’ve not discovered who they are. Remember the only worthy journey is the one within us. So it’s only after we follow what’s inside us, that what’s outside automatically changes.

“Nothing is as important as passion. No matter what you want to do with your life, be passionate.” — Jon Bon Jovi.

Cut off emotionally draining relationships and people.
It’s okay to outgrow relationships, especially with people that no longer inspire you to be the best version of yourself. I must warn you though, that disconnecting from toxic folks is easier said than done but very necessary for self-discovery and meaningful progress.

Mentally and emotionally purge.
Along the way, our hearts and minds get clogged with many unhelpful thoughts and worries. Mental or emotional purging is thus necessary and can be achieved in many ways. Some choose to travel and explore the ends of the world because nature is therapeutic, others seek a diversionary pursuit like art or music to disconnect from distressing thoughts.

Connect with your spiritual control tower.
I subscribe to the notion that man is a trine being. That is: we are made up of body, spirit, and soul. At the very center of each of us is the soul that I’d call the control tower. This is governed by the Superior force you yield to. As a Christian, my control tower is the Great Author — the creator of heaven and earth. My identity is defined in His plans for me and He’s my anchor be it in the calm or stormy moments of life. One may wonder how following God’s eternal tenets informs my destiny, but this I’ll say to you: There’s no situation in life that God’s word has no answer to if you’re connected deeply enough.

“God stays on the control tower in your heart, controls your emotions, controls your faith, controls all you are.” — Rev. William Marrion Branham.

Discover 3 things that you are gonna stop and 3 you’re gonna pick.
Consistency is not a naturally ingrained trait in man, neither is breaking habits (especially bad ones) man’s forte. But finding 3 things to drop and 3 other good ones to pick up will help you to strengthen your personality and also train you to be resilient, determined, and steadfast.