Lately, I have been feeling a bit lost, like I am not sure who I am or what truly makes me, me. If you have ever felt that way, too, you are not alone. I have been exploring ways to reconnect with myself, and I want to share what has helped, like embracing my authenticity, getting out of my comfort zone and trying new self-care regimes.
Finding yourself is important because having a strong sense of self means we can love more outwardly toward our friends, co-workers and all the other people who occupy our lives.
First, being unapologetically you is the key to finding the right people for you to be around. Making friends is hard, and it is even harder when you don’t really know what cliques or groups of people you belong to. Wipe that thought away and stop trying to categorize yourself; put yourself into all kinds of groups. You can be artsy, you can be sporty, you can be chill and you can be cheering so loud it echoes off the hills.
Authenticity is the first step to finding yourself, even if you are not sure yet what that truly means for you. You can try out a few different types of people, hobbies and environments. See what you like without restricting yourself to one thing. Try out a variety of things that may feel authentic to you. If you are awkward in the process, no worries. To be cringe is to be free.
Getting out of your shell to be authentic is definitely a start, but let’s look a little deeper. I have been trying out old hobbies to see which ones still fit and make me feel like myself. I can embrace the old but welcome the new by watching old videos and accepting how I was just a kid with an interest. I can turn around and see what hobby can evolve from it, or try a completely different hobby.
I recently tried camping; I had only ever done “glamping.” Engaging in offline activities with friends helps you stay present and discover new things to talk about one-on-one. Going out in a forest with no service has opened up new inside jokes for me. Of course, discovering yourself is not only about what you do, it is also about how you care for yourself.
Another way to discover yourself is to add something new to your self-care routine. Examples include painting your nails, buying new perfumes or lotions, plucking your eyebrows, going back to hobbies or trying a new unwinding activity.
I like to do small things I would not usually do to make me feel more feminine, like dressing up a little more for my day. Speaking of, dressing up can boost your mood. If you try new outfit combinations or scroll for outfit ideas, you might even find pieces that had not interested you before.
Finding yourself is a long process; it is okay if you don’t know where to start. Simply try complimenting yourself through affirmations. A list of a few affirmations I enjoy is: “I am resilient,” “I embrace my authentic self,” “I deserve rest and peace” and “I am courageous.”
I found a new affirmation: “I welcome new experiences and opportunities to learn.” This is a great start to self-discovery and changing your mindset. Embracing your authenticity is a long process, so you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Oh well, even if it’s uncomfortable, you will find yourself.
Cassidy McClurg is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassidy McClurg about their column? Email them at cm303824@ohio.edu
