During our lifetimes, we pass through different stages. We change, we grow, we get diverted, and often we wonder if we are being true to our authentic values. The world around us and society influence our thoughts, decisions, and patterns to the point where we struggle to remember who we actually are. But our core values and beliefs sometimes remain the same.
During such moments of confusion, it’s vital to remember who you are. Sometimes it becomes hard to see what’s in front of us and inside of us, so much so that we go into a state of blurred vision or sometimes complete blindness. When we spend too much time in our minds, we can’t identify that the world around us continues to move.
We often forget that others also share the experience of being human. We try to project our wants, fears, desires, and expectations onto others—in the hope that they will fix us and meet our needs.
Steps Towards Remembering
1. Identify the Truth
This is the first step for remembering who you are. You can try to hide from others, but you can’t hide from yourself. Knowing your truth, your values, and what you stand for allows you to be honest with yourself. You must accept all your perfections and imperfections, likes and dislikes, talents and shortcomings, and hopes and dreams.
By forming an honest relationship with yourself, you will be able to be honest with others as well. Your truth can help you navigate the other difficulties you are facing. It may sound difficult to accept if you identify as lazy by nature, but accept it without shame while remaining open to growth. Also, accept that you are creative and calm.
2. Know That You Have The Power To Heal Yourself
Another significant step in the process of remembering who you are is having belief in your self-healing capabilities. It is a natural capability that we all have. It can be achieved through self-awareness, becoming accustomed to your basic requirements, and acceptance.
Our mind, body, and soul demand our attention; it’s just a matter of being ready to heal and willing to accept the process of healing at your own pace.
3. Recognize Your Core Beliefs
Our core beliefs shape how we feel, react, and relate to ourselves. To recognize your core beliefs, be attentive to your thoughts and how you treat and speak to yourself. You can note down these thoughts on a piece of paper and review them in your spare time.
Secondly, be aware of your emotional reactions towards the actions of yourself and others. What triggers you most? Try to close your eyes and recognize your feelings. Try to accept these beliefs as they are, or try to change them if they are causing you pain and discomfort. It is one helpful method for remembering who you are.
4. Recognize Your Core Values
Recognizing what matters most helps you stay in touch with your authentic self. When you remain true to your core values, you become proud of yourself and attain a sense of gratitude.
How do you recognize your core values? It needs a bit of reflection and patience. You can start by creating a list of what is most vital to you and why. It can be something like this:
Family: Because they are your base and place where love is shared unconditionally.
Respect for Yourself and Others: Mutual respect creates healthy relationships where opinions and thoughts are accepted and developed without judgment.
Constant Growth: Growth motivates you to be a better and improved version of yourself. You can learn and shine in life through growth.
5. Stop Focusing on What Isn’t and Start Thinking About What Is
Once you reframe the way you think or see your present situation, you will allow more positivity to enter your life in ways you never imagined. Instead of criticizing or being melancholic, find ways to make positive assertions out loud or only for your brain to hear. Focus on what you have instead of what you don’t. As they say, ‘A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.’
6. Ask Yourself Questions
It is vital throughout your life journey to never stop asking questions. Or else it could become easy to get trapped in confusion and despair. Life is full of different options that you can choose from, but some divert you from your genuine self. Some choices can distract you from your core values and beliefs.
Here are some example questions you can continue to ask yourself throughout life:
- Is the life I’m leading in line with my core beliefs and values?
- Am I living the life I’ve always wanted to have?
- Am I being true to myself in this very moment?
Read More: 8 Benefits of Knowing Your Purpose in Life
7. Be Sincere With Yourself
Being sincere with yourself allows you to navigate the world through honesty rather than hiding your true self behind a self-imposed mask. Don’t spend your days being dishonest with the person who deserves your honesty the most. You owe it to yourself to speak and look for your personal truth.
8. Be Sincere With Others
Sometimes it can be very hard to express the exact desires of our heart, display our vulnerable side, and expect and manage rejections or fear that we will hurt others. It’s your right to convey how and what you think and feel—it’s all about the manner of delivery and genuineness.
9. Make Time For Yourself
Take time for yourself. Take a walk in nature, meditate, call a friend, nap, read some books, etc. Find ways to relax and chill out. Spend time with yourself and get to know the basics again. Remember what makes you feel good and what activities you enjoy.
If possible, go on a vacation with your family and friends or on a solo trip. Either way, you can be reconnected with yourself. Though sometimes a solo trip can be more beneficial. You don’t need to consider others’ preferences about where to go, beach or mountain. It will be entirely your call.
How to Remember Who You Were Before
Do you remember who you were at the beginning? Think back to the times when you were a teenager. What stays with you to date? How much did you change, actually?
Maybe when you were younger, you wanted to be a guitarist in a band. You wanted to perform in front of an enthusiastic audience and rock their world. But as you got older, those plans changed. You never became that guitarist in the musical band. It’s vital to note that it’s natural to change and make different decisions.
But sometimes society and the opinions and pressures of others lead you down a path that is different from who you were before. It is always good and vital to reflect and remember who you are, as it could lead you to where you have to be in life. Take a moment to revisit the dreams and hopes you had when you were a beginner. How vital were these to you? Can you return to them and make them work for the future?
FAQ
Q: Why is remembering who you are vital?
A: Without the knowledge of your true self and values, you wouldn’t be able to find a happier life.
Q: Why do we often forget our true selves?
A: Due to the changing world and external pressures, we often adopt some values and beliefs that are not in line with our original self. Maintaining those values and beliefs often leads to the loss of connection with our true self.
Q: Can being oblivious to our true self cause us harm?
A: If you consider stress, worries, and an unhappy and unsatisfied life harmful, then of course, yes.
Q: Is it possible to reconnect with yourself after being oblivious to your true self?
A: Certainly it is. It takes time and patience, but reconnecting with yourself is possible. The core values just went into hibernation, not dead.
