For years, the idea of spending time connecting with my best self seemed like a ridiculous indulgence. I was raising children, supporting the community, and trying to help earn some family income. There were connections I sought—with God, with others, with Nature—but with myself?
Almost never.
Now, as my children are building lives and families on their own, as I contemplate how to make the best of whatever time I have left on this earth, I realize I can only make authentic decisions about what will be meaningful if I get to know myself better.
What makes me tick?
What makes my heart sing?
What frightens me?
What emboldens me?
What makes me angry?
What makes me sad?
What do I need to know about myself so that I can tap into my worthiest goals and my greatest potential?
My favorite tools for introspection are journaling, meditation, and reading. Journaling and meditation both create space for processing my life. Reading gives me the chance to think about my own life through the lens of a book’s characters and their emotions and choices.
Once I began to realize this, I noticed that when my life was somehow feeling out of whack, it helped me to turn inward and more easily recognize what might be going on. Often it is something as simple as not getting enough sleep. Sometimes it’s an awareness that I’ve neglected a relationship or duty. Knowing myself is always critical to uncovering the issue.
This is a journey, of course—a treasure hunt, in many ways—as I discover insights about myself. I now see this process not as self-indulgent, but as a responsibility to myself and to help ensure I will live my most Heartspoken Life.
How have you cultivated self-awareness? I’d love to know in the comments below.
[NOTE: this post was updated and expanded from an earlier post.]
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Elizabeth, I think if every one of us would take time to reflect on this more seriously, the world would be a far, far better place. When we identify and support our best selves, then every other role in our lives benefits. Thank you for reminding me of this priority! I had almost lost the connection to myself in the shuffle of my days lately. Here’s to brewing a cup of tea and spending some time, just with me!
Thank you for your thoughtful response, Mimi…yes, when we lose connection with ourselves, we minimize our ability to connect with others.