God created us uniquely. This quote says it all: “We are born as an original, but die as a copy.”Let’s face it, it’s easy to copy. Navigating away from the world’s pressures and into His kingdom is a journey full of ‘ah-ha’ moments and challenges. I like to think of learning about yourself as a treasure hunt. For some people, the treasure lies in plain sight on a beach. For others, it’s deeper waiting to be dug out. I don’t know why that is, but never stop searching and learning because your identity is absolutely priceless and original. God made you the way you are for a reason. He doesn’t want you to be a carbon-copy of someone else.
This past year, I have done a lot of study on true identity, the identity that God says you are. The 9 easy ways to learn more about yourself are a good start to tapping into that inner self. These tips help you feel the water before jumping into it.
Discovering Who We Are
Discovering oneself is a journey similar to Lewis & Clark’s expedition across the Western territory. Was it easy? No. Was it valuable? Yes. We desperately want freedom in our identity and to understand what we are to do with it!
I remember way too many rabbit trails, feeling disappointment, but realizing that I at least tried instead of wondering. The question I’d ask myself is “WHO AM I?” I would yell in my mind, ignoring the hints from God. Tears streamed down my face out of frustration. I so badly wanted to know what God made me to do on this planet, but I wasn’t paying attention to the One who made me! Overthinking became a regular occurrence; I’d look to the world for affirmation, and then I would get paralyzed (not physically). Stuck? Fear? Not sure. But just recently, I realized I was asking the right question, but to the wrong person.
What next?
In my worldly worry, I missed something very valuable. I was so focused on a map that I forgot to look between the paths. Following or trying to follow everyone else made me feel like a failure, a nobody. I didn’t fit in and thought something was wrong with me! It took me a LONG while to learn that what worked for someone else didn’t work for my individuality. Let me save you some tissues. It’s time to wake up, sleeper. The trap of comparison will throw your compass off, and you’ll just keep going around in circles if you don’t do something about it.
With that said, your path in life might not be one path; rarely does that happen. If we want a fulfilled life, we’re going to have to adapt to the seasons we’re given in life. When we have children, be a mom. A student? Study. When we have to bring the bacon home, provide and do it. It’s okay if we don’t feel purposeful at the moment. But I do ask you this: always learn who you are in the role you play, and you will then have a clearer picture of the path that leads to life.
9 Easy Ways to Live Beyond Our Existence
Taking the time to explore our hearts to understand what we like and dislike is extremely important for our overall happiness. As I said, the suggestions below are to get your feet wet, to prepare you for what is to come. Our hearts shape our lives, and our values affect our choices. When our values align with our decisions, something magical happens…a smile on our face. If you want to learn more about personal values, you can check out my freebie here.
Learn more about yourself
One way to love God back is to learn more about who He created you to be.
1) Help others.
If you see someone in need, help them! Hold the door, pick up something they dropped, and simply do unto others as you would do unto you. It’s crazy how simple yet complicated life can be. A happy life isn’t rocket science; get to know your heart and do something.
2) Spend some time alone.
I like to go for walks outdoors on a trail. Spending time alone at home with a fun project or a hobby is also a great way to have fun by yourself. I have even gone to the movies solo. There is something about taking a time-out for yourself without having to worry about a kid or dog, or spouse, for that matter. It’s just you. Enjoy the silence and have fun spending time with yourself.
3) Journal.
Writing down your thoughts, prayers, and frustrations helps you understand what’s going on in your heart. Over the years, I found that the tone in my journaling started pretty rough. I was swearing, mad, and confused about what was going on in my life and relationships. Rarely did I find a positive entry. But that is what journaling is for, an outlet, a venting passage. It’s to permit our thoughts to leave our minds so we don’t have to think about it anymore…it’s documented on paper, so I can now let it go.
On the flip side, journaling is also there to be creative, to document life, and to tell yourself good things. As I grew older, I found my journal entries to be much more positive and creative. My journal entries turned into prayers and things I learned. As I flip through the pages, it’s gratifying to see how far you’ve come. And to see what seemed like a big deal then is not so now.
What else?
4) Engage in an activity you normally wouldn’t do.
Push your homebody aside and step out of your comfort zone for just a little bit. Challenge your limits, physically and mentally. Build your confidence! This may sound silly, but I recently went to an estate sale. I did raise my card at one point. Scary! Going to an estate sale might not sound like a big deal to you, but it was something completely out of my normal routine. This is a very small idea of what you can do.
5) Clean out your stuff.
Clutter is toxic. Sifting through your stuff and giving it to a good organization will do your mind good. You’ll learn all about yourself and what stuff you like to keep. Maybe you’ll even understand why you want to keep it or give it to someone else. Be sure to check out my post on 5 ways to know how to simplify your stuff. Take a look at your stuff and ask yourself, ” What does that say about me?” At the auction I went to, I learned A LOT about the people who were selling it. What are you saying to the world with your stuff?
6) Write down what you want to leave behind.
I’m not talking about stuff. What kind of legacy do you want to leave? What do you want to be remembered for? And how can you start doing that today?
Lastly, get busy
7) Volunteer.
Choose an activity at your church or community center and volunteer to help out. This too can be scary. We don’t have much time, especially if we have little ones, so bring them along. It not only helps you feel good about yourself, contributing to society, but it also shows your kids how to do it. Again, you’ll learn about your attitude and capabilities simply by lending a hand. Check this post out on knowing how to start volunteering.
8) Get your body in check.
Stress is a major cause of health issues, from muscle imbalances, digestive issues, and heartburn, to even autoimmune disease and who knows what more; stress can physically kill. It’s important to take care of your body, mind, and spirit for your life. The way you feel affects your decisions. And your decisions affect your path.
9) Do something creative.
Draw, doodle, sew, design your own landscaping or garden, make your own cookie recipe or stir-fry dish, arrange flowers, move your furniture around, or mow your lawn in a different pattern. Get those juices flowing and see what you create!
Wrapping up
By engaging in these activities, you will have a better idea of who you are and who you want to become. I suggest starting small. Maybe try one of the nine exploring ways every few days or on the weekends….except for the body one, which should be done every day (wink). When we get to know ourselves better, our path in life becomes clearer and more fulfilling. It’s funny how this simple exercise can give you a wealthier life. Knowing who God calls you not only brings you extreme peace, but joy, and unexplainable confidence! We’ll talk about that next time! Buckle-up Buttercup.
Before you go, check out these other great posts:
- Claim Your Life Back Now: 7 Spiritual Warfare Strategies
- Amazing Tree Benefits, Planting Tips, Awesome Earth Day Quotes
- How to Get Started in True Identity: 7 Essential Tips
- 9 Easy Ways to Learn More About Yourself
- How to Brighten A Room: 8 Easy Inexpensive Tips!
