Journey of Self: Who Are You?

How do you begin to answer this question? Do you begin with your name, relations, occupation, achievements, life status or family lineage? How about sexual, spiritual or solar orientation? No? Then you must be your race, creed, nationality, or background? Right?...

So, if none of those define you, tell me... do you really, truly and honestly know who you are? How might you begin to find out? As individuals we have so many intricacies and facets to our lives that if we have not consciously taken the time to find out who we are, we could be living a lie or someone else idea of who we are.

I know, I know...I can hear the protest loud and clear: "I know who I am." But really, do you?

I have news for you. What you do and where you came from are NOT you!  That's right, it is an extension of who you are, but it certainly isn't you in its entirety.

You were who you are, long before you learned how to walk, talk, read, or write. Long before your passed or current situation.  God created you with a purpose and that purpose is to be you in its fullness and grace.  It is then, very imperative that each and every one of us takes the time out for self-discovery and self-actualization. Self what and what? Yes! That's right, SELF-DISCOVERY and SELF-ACTUALIZATION.

SELF-DISCOVERY

man walking up a concrete steps along a path of grass, blue sky ahead

This is the process of figuring out what you like, what inspires you, what moves you, what resonates with you and what makes you tick. It forces you to turn your sight and thoughts inward and helps you find your natural talents and unique capabilities – those unique gifts you were born with. But before you can actually begin this process, first you need to figure out what God you serve. Know who and what you believe in, and why. 

You can begin this discovery by going with what flows naturally for you. Explore the different aspects of life. Travel outside your comfort zone to broaden your horizon. Explore different foods and cultures. Spend time by yourself reading fact or knowledge-based books that speak to you, or listening to audiobooks. 

May I suggest,

• Start studying the Bible. This book will help you to figure out what you believe in. 
• Ask lots of questions of older, wiser heads. 
• Listen to music that speaks to your innermost soul. 
• Read your horoscope. 
• Journal your thoughts and ideas
• Research the meaning behind your name and date of birth. 
• Do those personality tests. You can find lots online. Amongst my favourites are VIA Character Strengths, Myers Brigg: Jung Typology, Personality Dimensions and Personality Plus.

These are just a few things that will help you clue in to who you really are. The three wise men had the wisdom to follow the stars...certainly, there must be something to learn from them. I found out more about myself through reading astrology and the Bible than from any other source know to mankind. Finally, sit in silence and listen to the rhythm of your heart. The answers you seek will come in divine timing, with guidance and protection.

It is worth taking the journey to self-discovery for many reasons, such as:

• It can lead you to the right career.
• It can improve your relationships.
• It can lead you to the right life partner.
• It can make you mentally, spiritually, and physically healthier.

SELF-ACTUALIZATION

google image: I am free woman with arms out-stretched by ocean

Once you have figured out who you really are, you can begin the process of self actualization. This is a process of  putting what you have discovered about yourself into practice. It begins with the realization that nothing, not even your parents and/or your upbringing is responsible for who you are. 

After a certain stage in life, no matter what happened in your childhood, should be disregarded for growth to take place. It's called being accountable and taking responsibility for your life.  

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But now that I am a man, I put away childish things." 1 Corinthians 13:11. 

The the ball is now in your court.  Time to forgive and forget, and pursue your own destiny. According to Thich Nhat Hanh, “There is no way to happiness; happiness is the way.” Once true self is discovered, you can tune in, seek out, and reprogram at will.  

According to Maslow’s theory: Self-Actualization is the achievement of one's full potential through creativity, independence, spontaneity, and a grasp of the real world.  He says, "What a man can be, he must be." And there is truly no better way to sum up or explain self-actualization or answering the question, “Who are you?” than by living that quote.

Some of the key characteristics of self-actualization are:

• Acceptance and realism (realistic perceptions of self, others and the world)
• Service and solutions (motivated by a sense of personal responsibility and ethics)
• Spontaneity (can conform to rules/social expectations, but open/unconventional)
• Autonomy and solitude (strong need for independence and privacy)
• Continued freshness of appreciation (a sense of wonder and awe — even simple experiences continue to be a source of inspiration and pleasure)
• Peak experience (often have moments of intense joy, wonder, awe and ecstasy)

Chart: Maslow's hierarchy of needs, credit: google image

Once you have discovered who you are, you will begin to strive continuously to further develop your inherent potential by whatever avenues are open to you.  You will become more motivated to pursue your dreams and WHO YOU ARE will become strikingly evident.  You will find that you no longer seek the approval of others because you will ACTUALLY BE FREE TO BE YOU!

Let your spirit guide you in silencing the blaring sounds inside your head so that you can begin to hear the truths that life can reveal to you.  I can help you tap into your quantum powers—the powers of your thoughts, intentions, and your sense of who you are.  If you want to start your journey, connect with me via my website at www.aggiestrongulc.com or subscribe to my free newsletter for similar posts.

Until next time,
This is AggisStrong
Be Blessed...Be Bold...Be Strong...Be YOU! V

References:

theoriesofpersonality

quantumreprogramming/self-discovery

Photo credits: 
Pathani
google images