What Does “Finding Yourself” Mean?
What does finding yourself mean? It sounds made up. I’m right here. I can see myself. Who would I be looking for?
Well, I have felt lost before. I’ve lost track of my goals, gotten lost in a social media scroll, or lost myself in a good book. Sometimes, I even feel like my actions don’t reflect who I am. When I get lost in my reactions, I don’t feel like myself. If getting lost is a thing, then so is finding myself.
It’s important to look for myself, like a check-up. A doctor checks how your body is functioning and asks about your wellness. For the rest of the year, I have to make sure that the system known as “me” is being taken care of. By prioritizing finding myself, I am pursuing a deeper understanding of who I am.
So, where does one look when trying to find themselves? Here’s what I do:
Talk to Myself: I ask myself what I want. Do I function better waking up earlier or later? Does my body feel better when I eat certain foods in the morning? By asking these questions, I am finding myself. The more I know myself, the easier decisions become. For example, should I keep working or take a walk? Knowing myself, after some experimenting, I realize that taking a walk right now would be better for my mind and body. Decision made.
Write It Down: I find myself in my journal. Writing down something that overwhelms or scares me changes it. It’s a safe place to try out a thought.
Talk to Someone: I can really get to know myself in conversation. Saying something out loud to someone else and listening to their response provides new perspectives and connections.
Experiment: Making small changes to see how they impact me helps shape my day in a more manageable way. Things like starting my day with journaling instead of answering emails, taking a break instead of pushing through a problem, or eating smaller meals more often. I try these on to see what fits, and what feels like myself.
The more I notice what I like and don’t like, the more I recognize who I am and can give it to myself. Maybe “finding yourself” just means getting to know who you are enough to give yourself what you need.
ACTION: Spend a few minutes today finding yourself. Choose one method that resonates with you—whether it’s journaling, having a meaningful conversation, or trying out a new routine. Reflect on what you discover about yourself. What fits? What doesn’t? Start a practice of checking in with yourself regularly to build a deeper understanding of who you are and what you need.
