Rediscovering Yourself

It takes courage to break through the lies

As an adult, I've found myself on a journey of rediscovery multiple times. Many of us embark on this path, often without even realizing it. Life is unpredictable, and we never know what challenges we might face. These challenges come in many forms, and we often tell ourselves we won't be able to overcome them. These negative thoughts and limitations might stem from our childhood experiences.

I've seen some things and noticed many of us carry baggage from our past into adulthood. This burden often appears in the form of emotional baggage - the kind that's hard to shake off and that we carry with us wherever we go. It's like we're lugging around these heavy suitcases filled with pain, trauma, and unprocessed emotions, and we wonder why our shoulders ache all the time. Yet, if we gather the courage to set down these burdens and unpack them, we can start the transformative experience of healing.

Growing up in a toxic environment can leave scars that run deep. It messes with your head when you're constantly told that your feelings don't matter or that you need to be someone you're not just to survive. You start to believe that maybe there's something inherently wrong with you, that you're just not meant to be happy. You create an image of yourself based on lies.

But here's the thing – it doesn't have to be that way. You are not defined by your past or the circumstances you were born into. You have the power to rewrite your story, to break free from the chains holding you back.

It starts with acknowledging that there's a part of you that you've been neglecting. There may be passions and interests buried deep inside you, waiting to be unearthed. Maybe there are emotions begging to be felt, experiences waiting to be lived. There are things inside you that you know would scare the shit out of you if you faced them. "What if I fail?" "What if they make fun of me?" What if I show them who I really am, and they don't like me?"

Even with success in certain areas, your life is hard because you are still that scared child. You lack purpose and meaning because you worry about what others think. This is not because you are fucked up; it is how you were conditioned in childhood and that programming has brought people into your life that supports this imprisonment of your mind. Victimhood is no longer imposed on us as adults, but it does become a choice.

Embracing this journey isn't for the faint of heart, and I won't sugarcoat it. It demands raw courage to confront the demons of your past, to peel back the layers of protection you've built up around yourself. I understand the fear of exposing your true self, and believe me, I've felt it too – it's downright terrifying. The road to authenticity may be riddled with mockery, ridicule, and criticism, but mark my words: the person you emerge as on the other side is invaluable. Stand firm in your truth, for the journey toward authenticity is non-negotiable.

So, where do you start? How do you begin to rediscover who you truly are?

For starters, give yourself permission to be human. It's essential to remember that feeling vulnerable and allowing yourself to experience the full range of emotions is okay. It's natural to feel scared, anxious, or even angry, and it's crucial to process those emotions in a healthy manner. Try engaging in physical activity like hitting a punching bag. As a teenager, I used to blast music in my car with the windows rolled up and scream at the top of my lungs. You must allow those emotions to come out, and holding back can prolong the healing process, so don't hesitate to let it all out and roar like a lion if needed.

Next, get curious and discover new passions and hobbies to approach the world. Don't be afraid to try out new activities, even if they seem unconventional or silly. Who knows, you might find a hidden talent or interest that you never knew existed. You could experiment with various artistic pursuits like painting or photography or explore the great outdoors by joining a hiking group or picking up kayaking as a new hobby. The possibilities are endless, so don't hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. Explore different hobbies and interests, even if they seem ridiculous or foolish. You never know what might ignite a spark inside of you until you try. Take up painting, learn about photography, join a hiking group, or maybe buy a sick kayak and start paddling – endless possibilities exist.

“I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.”

―Socrates

And don't be afraid to seek help along the way. Talking openly with others can be incredibly beneficial in unpacking the baggage you've been carrying and learning healthy coping mechanisms to deal with life's challenges. We only realize how much we have in common once we start sharing who we are with the people in our lives.

There is no shame in asking for help; it's a sign of strength.

Above all, be patient with yourself. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is self-discovery. It's a journey, not a destination, and there will be ups and downs along the way. But as long as you keep putting one foot in front of the other, you'll get there eventually.

Embrace the journey, my friend. Here's to rediscovering who you truly are and living a life that's authentically yours. It won't always be easy, you might piss some people off, but I promise you, it will be worth it.

Join me at the FraternityofExcellence.com.

Until next time,

Anthony