View this email in your browser

Quote of the day:

"Don't waste your energy trying to change opinions ... do your thing, and don't care if they like it."

– Tina Fey

True Self

What is it?

The true self, also known as the essence of who we are at our core, often called your soul self or higher self. It is the authentic voice within us that knows our deepest desires, values, and truths. Connecting with the true self requires self-awareness and inner reflection through practices like meditation, journaling, introspection, and seeking wisdom from teachers.

The true self is all about love, compassion, authenticity, and living with purpose. When we tap into our true self, we make choices that align with what's best for us. On the other hand, we've got this everyday self, often known as the ego-self. It's influenced by everything around us and tends to get caught up in the ego's desires. It's all about seeking external validation, chasing material possessions, and living up to society's expectations, rather than expressing our true selves.

The secret to a more fulfilling life is being vulnerable, sharing our unique gifts, and living authentically. That's where the true self shines. It's like this powerhouse of wisdom and growth, providing us with solutions to life's challenges. When we accept and embrace our true selves, we let go of fear, judgment, and all those limiting beliefs that hold us back so we can tap into our full potential.

By recognizing the influence of the everyday self and consciously aligning with the true self, we can navigate life with clarity, purpose, and inner harmony.

Why does it matter?

Growing up we gradually disconnected from our true self as a protection mechanism. To gain acceptance from those we depended on, we may have adapted and taken on specific roles within the family dynamic, such as the peacemaker, the problem child, the outspoken one, the jokester, the responsible one, the invisible one, or the lost one. Unfortunately, this unconscious disconnection from our authentic expression can manifest as people-pleasing, lack of boundaries, and concealing our true selves behind a mask of conformity.

It is important to identify and reconnect with your true self for several reasons:

1. Authenticity: Understanding your true self allows you to live authentically and align your actions, choices, and relationships with who you truly are. When you are in touch with your true self, you are less likely to be swayed by external pressures or opinions.

2. Self-Awareness: Exploring your true self fosters self-awareness. It helps you understand more about yourself and what it is that you truly want. You will know your strengths, weaknesses, patterns of behavior, and emotional responses.

3. Fulfillment and Purpose: Knowing your true self can provide a sense of purpose and direction in life. It helps you identify your passions, interests, and unique talents, allowing you to pursue activities and goals that resonate with your authentic self.

4. Inner Peace: By cultivating a deeper awareness of your true nature, you may experience a sense of inner peace, stillness, and contentment that goes beyond temporary external circumstances.

5. Relationships: Understanding your true self can enhance your relationships with others. When you are in touch with your true self, you can communicate more honestly, establish deeper connections, and attract people who appreciate and support you for who you truly are.

6. Spiritual Growth: For those on a spiritual path, recognizing and embodying the true self is often considered a significant step towards spiritual awakening and self-realization.

The importance of identifying your true self allows you to remember who you really are, deep down, without all the outside influence that was put onto you.

How to connect inwards?

Getting in touch with your true self involves loving and accepting every part of yourself. Loving every part of yourself means acknowledging and embracing both the positive and negative aspects of who you are. It entails accepting ourselves unconditionally, without judgment or criticism. This includes accepting our past mistakes, flaws, and imperfections, while also recognizing our unique gifts, talents, and potential.

By practicing self-love and acceptance, you can cultivate a deep sense of compassion, kindness, and understanding towards yourself. You can let go of self-criticism, self-doubt, and self-sabotaging patterns, allowing your true self to emerge and thrive.

Loving every part of yourself also involves nurturing a healthy relationship with yourself. This includes prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and engaging in activities that bring you joy, fulfillment, and growth. It entails honoring your needs, desires, and values, and making choices that align with your true self.

By loving every part of yourself may require self-reflection, self-forgiveness, and ongoing self-care practices. However, the rewards of embracing and loving oneself fully can contribute to a more authentic and fulfilling life experience.

Journaling can be a powerful tool to reconnect with your true self. Here are some journal prompts and scenarios that can assist you in this process:

Embracing Your Authenticity:

• Describe a time when you felt most authentically yourself. What were you doing, and how did it make you feel?

• Reflect on any situations or relationships where you feel the need to hide or suppress your true self. Why do you think this happens, and how does it make you feel?

• What small steps can you take to express your authentic self more fully in your daily life?

• Clock micro-moments each day when you speak your truth.

Self-Love and Acceptance:

• List 10 things you appreciate about yourself.

• Reflect on any self-judgments or self-criticisms you tend to hold. How do these beliefs impact your relationship with yourself?

• How can you practice self-love and self-acceptance on a daily basis? 

Unraveling External Influences:

• Identify any societal or familial beliefs and expectations that you have taken on. How do these beliefs align or conflict with your true self?

• Reflect on any past experiences or relationships that made you doubt or forget your true self. How did they impact you, and how can you release their influence?

• Write a letter to yourself, affirming your true self and letting go of any external judgments or limitations that were placed upon you.

Rediscovering Passions and Dreams:

• What activities or hobbies bring you joy and a sense of fulfillment? How can you incorporate more of these into your life?

• Reflect on any childhood dreams or aspirations that you may have set aside. Are there ways to reconnect with those dreams now?

• Imagine a life where you are fully aligned with your true self. Describe what that looks like and how it feels.

Exploring Your Values:

• What are the core values that are important to you? Why are they important?

• How do you currently align your actions and choices with your values?

• Are there any values you feel disconnected from or conflicted about? Why?

Allow yourself to explore freely, without judgment or expectations, and use your journal as a safe space to understand yourself on a deeper level.

Copyright (C) Want to change how you receive these emails?You can update your preferences or unsubscribe