How do you see yourself?

How do you view yourself? How often do you consider how the way you view yourself shapes your confidence?

Your self-identity is more than just a label you assign yourself -- it's your entire perception of who you are. It encompasses your beliefs, values, experiences, and roles in life, both in your professional and personal pursuits.

Think about the last time you had to make a tough decision.

Did you feel anchored by your values and sense of integrity

Or did you feel as though you were floating adrift, aimless, seeking direction?

Developing a solid sense of identity and connecting with your core values are crucial, not just so you can make a decision but so you know who you should surround yourself with.

With 1,000,001 influences bombarding us daily it's important to keep one mantra at the forefront of your mind at all times: "Know thyself."

How do you know you're in the right relationship if you can't answer how you two align? How do you know your job is in alignment with your goals if you can't answer why or how you have them? How do you know your social circle is empowering you to be the best version of yourself if you don't even know what that version is?

Socrates gave us that simple yet profound statement "Know thyself " to remind us that to know thyself means to know the depths of our being and how that plays into every aspect of our life.

Reflect on Your Own Journey

Take a moment to reflect on your journey.

Have you been fair to yourself? Have you been giving yourself the attention and care you deserve? Do you act with integrity in accordance with your morals and core values? Do you feel securely anchored in your identity?

Imagine the times you’ve compromised your values to please others.

How did that make you feel? Probably not great. But the important thing is to not let yourself drown in the mistakes of yesterday. Each of those moments is a wave, it has the ability to either erode your sense of self or just be another wave in the vast ocean. It's up to you to decide.

Building Your Lighthouse

While you take a moment to decide, here are a few steps to help you build a lighthouse to guide you through those waves:

Self-Reflection: Regularly engage in self-reflection to understand your values, beliefs, and goals. Journaling can be an excellent tool for this to map your inner ocean.
Set Boundaries: Protect your sense of self by setting healthy boundaries and practicing saying 'no'.
Mindfulness Practices: Stay present and connected to yourself. Meditation and yoga can help you center yourself and stabilize any overwhelming thoughts.
Seek Support: Do an audit of the people you surround yourself with and assess if they respect your individuality or seek to alter it. You are influenced by your support system, make sure it's a constructive one. Therapy can also provide a safe space to explore and strengthen your identity.
Embrace Fluidity: Understand that change is a natural part of life. Accepting the temporary nature of things can help you adapt without losing your core identity.