Have you ever felt like you lost yourself? Like somewhere along the way, between life choices and experience, you found yourself peering into a glass that reflected a stranger? Well, believe me, you are not alone.
Many things in life can cause us to lose our way or even our identities. From bad relationship choices to addictions, we all can find ourselves buried beneath the rubble of repercussions and regret.
But maybe some are unaware of just how detrimental to our true identities wrong choices are. Not only do they harm our outer lives, but they also harm our inner selves.
Speaking from experience, I can attest to this state of “losing yourself,” if you will. As a young adult, I made choices that left me wondering who I was and if I had a purpose at all.
I had made many choices on this path that did not align with my internal compass, and in turn, it seemed as though I could not find my way back to me. The real me was blocked by just a shadow of myself. And it would take much time and work to uncover myself again.
But how did I do it?
As stated before, I believe what brings us to a state of being “lost” is a series of wrong choices. In fact, I think that anything that doesn’t align with the true you can be a wrong choice.
Many of us come from backgrounds where we are influenced by others and their choices. Mothers, sisters, brothers, fathers, friends. All figures in our lives can directly influence our own choices for our lives. And then, when left to our own resources, we begin making choices that negatively impact us – thus leading to the regret and shame that block our real selves.
At least that’s what I know to be true of myself.
If you have ever felt as though you have lost your way, here are steps to consider:
Take a look in the mirror
Many people are too busy roaming here or there to stop and focus on what’s wrong within them. No one person is perfect. But there are times when you can sense something unsettled within you. So, stop and look in the mirror – what do you see?
Ask yourself what choices are you making that you feel are not right for you
Everyone is making choices every day. But we have the power to make the right choices for ourselves that do not leave us regretting them tomorrow. If you feel lost, ask yourself where did you go wrong? Then…
Take the next right step
There is a path that leads to life – a life where you can be and feel like you. If you currently feel lost, chances are you are making choices that are leading you down a path that feels more like death than life. But take heart, the next right step is in front of you if you will pay attention to it. Then, use your power to make the next right move.
I hope this article helped you to see that if you feel lost, there is still hope. And that hope is that you have the power to find yourself again.
Thank you for reading. Let me know in the comments if this encouraged or inspired you!