It’s so easy to get caught up in the managing, navigating, processing, and doing of our lives; that we forget who we TRULY are and what matters most. It’s only when we take the time to stop, breathe, and reconnect with our soul that we can really know ourselves. It’s only in really knowing ourselves that we find the clarity and wisdom that we crave. That’s why it’s important to take the time to reconnect with yourself on a regular basis.

Everything begins with YOU. Knowing, embracing and being the “real” You is what enables you to thrive and live true.

So, I have a challenge for you. Make a date to spend the day alone with you. Go to a place that inspires you and makes you feel alive. Create a mini-retreat so you can get reacquainted with yourself. Take some time to reflect on YOU. I bet you’ll be inspired by what you find.

This article is about starting the journey of being who you Truly are. Even though I’m suggesting going through this process all at once in your own mini-retreat, the ideas can be broken up. You can try one each day, one a week or however it feels right for you.

One of the first things I ask my clients to do is to create a safe place where they can retreat to just be with themselves. It can be an actual, physical space or an imaginary one. Place whatever you need in this space to make yourself feel safe and like “you.” Once you have everything you need in place, it’s time to get grounded.

Take three deep breaths and allow yourself to settle into your body. Close your eyes and imagine yourself exploring this space; feeling safe, loved, protected and open to receiving the answers you seek. Give yourself permission to receive whatever images, ideas or wisdom that comes to mind. Jot them down to reflect on later.

Idea #2:  Reconnect with yourself through identifying your core values.

One of the best ways to get in touch with your heart, soul and what makes you “YOU” is by identifying the things you value most. How do you feel about yourself and your life? How do you want to feel? What are the top priorities for living a happy life? (family, career, faith, goals, fun, etc) Put this list somewhere you will see it every morning and as you plan each day, ask yourself if your schedule and to-do list reflect your top values.  If not, make adjustments.

Before you get stressed at the idea, here me out. Journaling is just a way to get your thoughts, your ideas, your feelings, and your dreams out of your head and on to paper.

You’re not writing a term paper. You’re not writing anything to be published. You’re not going to have to share it with anyone except yourself and God. You don’t even have to write complete sentences. You can bullet point, scribble or just write words.  Remember, there are no right or wrong answers about being YOU. Anything you discover is your TRUTH.

Idea #3:  Reconnect with yourself through writing the story of You.

Think about how you’d you describe yourself. Who are you really in your heart & soul?

I want you to think about who you are on the inside. Remove your role as mom, wife, friend, entrepreneur, volunteer, and any other identity that you connect to. Remove the things you do, the actions you take and your accomplishments.  Remove how and where you live. Remove your association with anyone else.

Think about the person you are at your core and embrace her. Think of who you want to be, who you believe you were created to be and claim her. Envision her (your most authentic self) standing before you and describe the very essence of her being.

Start by listing all the different traits that you love, admire and respect in yourself and others. Choose the top 3 characteristics, personality traits, feelings, qualities that you like to incorporate more of in your personality.

For example: Become more peaceful. Become more fun. Become more decisive.

Journal any ideas and thoughts that come to mind. Choose your top 5-10 ideas that embody you. That’s your Snapshot of You and your truth.

Create 1 small action step for each that you could take towards becoming that person now and do it.

Idea #4:  Reconnect with yourself by designing your Ideal Day.

This exercise is your chance to get creative. You can even create a vision board for your day, if you want a more visual approach.

Remember, this is a fantasy day that you get to create. There are no limitations at all. Don’t get trapped by the constraints of your life now. This is your story to write any way you want.

Be as specific as you can. Imagine what you’re doing, seeing, feeling, touching, and tasting throughout the day.

Describe your Ideal Day from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep at night. Think about a day that you could live all the time and experience joy, fulfillment, purpose, freedom and more; a day that would be positive for you and those around you. Here are a few questions to get you started.

Where do you live? Who do you live with? What is the weather? Do you work and where? Describe your home, your clothes, the food you eat. How do you feel? What do you see when you walk around your neighborhood? You get the idea. Your answers will probably be a combination of where you are now and where you want to be.

Idea #5:  Reconnect with yourself by living your truth.

Now you know who you are, who you’d like to become and what’s true for you. However, knowing your truth isn’t the same as living your truth. Living your truth is about making daily choices, taking daily actions, and creating daily habits that support the things that matter most to you. It’s being bravely, boldly, and beautifully “You” in everyday life.

Here are some quick tips to help you do that.

• Know it. Name the things that are important to you now.
• Claim it. Look at your life and how your choices, actions and habits may or may not align with what you value; and who you want to be.
• Plan it. Make a list of all the ways that you’re willing be more authentically “You” in your daily life. Circle the ONE thing you’ll start today and find someone to share it with for accountability.

The more connected you are to your authentic self, the easier it is to live as YOU and align with your truth; so you can thrive from the inside and design your best life.

Some final thoughts….

Stop waiting for “someone else” to give you permission to be YOU. It’s time to bloom; boldly, bravely, and beautifully into who you were created to be. Deep in your soul you’ve always known who were, what made you special and what you are here to do. You just forgot.

Rise up and choose to be your highest and best self. Be your own kind of beautiful. Declare your unique purpose and place in the world. Share your heart and soul. Be the designer of your life and the decorator of your own garden. Know your worth and value. Embrace your imperfections.

Say YES to who you are and recognize that you were made to THRIVE; unapologetically!

YOUR TURN……….

If you’re feeling up to it, I’d love to hear from YOU.

Which of the ideas above resonates with you most? Do you have another favorite you’d be willing to share?

Leave a comment below and share what’s on your mind.

Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.

Remember, you were made to thrive,

Eleni

We may collect, use and process your data according to the terms of our Privacy Policy