Have you ever found yourself feeling as if you don’t belong?
I know you may have read countless blogs, articles, and “how-to” books on discovering your passion and purpose. I know, because I did it too! But I’m here to let you know that THIS blog is different…I won’t be talking from a mentor’s point of view, but from YOUR PERSPECTIVE. Have you ever found yourself feeling as if you don’t belong? Do you feel out of place in your marriage, relationships, career, or other areas in your life? Well, you are not alone! You are one of thousand who simply feel out of touch with “who you are”. While teaming up with my clients during their personal self-discovery assessment, I have found that many feel this way.
One of the questions that gave my clients the most pause was,” Have you lost your sense of self-worth?” I was amazed that fifty-five (55%) were able to admit that, “Yes”, their self-worth was at an all-time low. Out of those women, thirty (30%) said they had let go of what they valued most in life. Have you become so conditioned to the world that it’s difficult to settle yourself in reality? Real information vs. reality TV, social media and other unhealthy distractions can cause our minds to wonder where we stand in our world. The need to fit-in cause some of them to no longer like who they had become. But now it’s time! Time to step out of the noise and FIND YOUR PLACE…the person who you are predestined to become!
As a psychotherapist and life coach, I have witnessed how insecurity and lack of motivation changed a person’s viewpoint of themselves. Living in low self-esteem and low self-worth can produce an individual who is running on auto-pilot, trying to cover it up with a smile or even misplaced aggravation. I know this hits home for some of you. What can you do to change how you experience life and feel good about who you are? Here are five ways that can help you to LEVEL UP, FIND YOUR PLACE and LIVE HAPPY:
1. Develop Self-Awareness
In order to like and love who you are, you have to know yourself; your strengths, weaknesses, values, beliefs, interest and desires. Following the masses and what the standard of the world is NOT WHO YOU ARE. Ask yourself these questions…
· What do I like about me?
· What do I value about me?
· Do I value my personal relationships?
· Do I value my business relationships?
· What can I do to build my self-worth & self-esteem?
2. Live With Intention
I have counseled and coached many clients who have come to a crossroad in their lives; not knowing why they are here. They feel lost and out of place. Some share that they love what they do, but “there’s something missing.” Some have experienced success at a high level but have lost their zest for living. Life has become routine and unfulfilling. But it’s not what they do that causes this…it’s because they have lost their sense of self. Their worth, values and simple pleasures of life continue to elude them. Can they find their place? Yes! And so can you!
You must live life with intention and make every moment matter. You cannot go through life haphazardly. How do you live with intention? Well, it’s entirely up to you. It’s not a one-size fits all blueprint, but here are some guidelines that you can follow:
· Align your thoughts, feelings, and actions
· Practice gratitude
· Serve others
· Give without expectation
· Practice moments of solitude & reflection
3. Practice Mindfulness
Finding your place involves more than knowing who you are. It’s also a way to fully experience what’s happening in you ‘right now’…your feelings, thoughts, pain, and pleasures. The big question becomes “What is your state of mind?” And regardless of what is going on in that moment, the practice of mindfulness “encourages you to experience the moment instead of rushing through it. It opens you up to new ideas, new ways of doing things, reducing stress and increasing your enjoyment of life.” (Gill Hasson)
4. Appreciate the imple Things
We must learn how to get “back to the basics” and appreciate life’s little moments. If we don’t find our way back to the simple things of life, we will continue to fall prey to depression, anxiety, fear, inadequacy, and chasing after things that don’t add value to the core of who we are. What are the simple pleasures of life that you can rediscover? It’s time to evaluate what things bring you joy and make you smile with your heart.
5. Keep Growing
When we are not growing, we become stagnant. It’s not the same as going backwards, but we’re just stuck in a rut. The job or business you once loved has become a nuisance. And earning a six-figure income does not filled the void. What happened? You stopped growing. You will lose who you are and who you are predestined to become. Have you ever noticed that successful people are always building on what they have? They don’t do it just for money. They have learned the secret to life. That secret is that if you have breath, you should be in a place of doing more and experiencing more. I am not suggesting that you have to become rich, famous, make a wonderous impact on humanity. But what I am suggesting is that you make an impact in your world. Think on this:
· Have you read an inspirational book or a book that can help you get what you want in life?
· Have you attended a workshop or seminar that can sharpen your skills and ability?
· Have you invested in yourself (mentor, coach,)?
· How do you redeem your time?
· Do you use it wisely (listening to educational or self-improvement CDs)?
· Do you waste it (watching tv, playing games, not learning…not growing)?
To Level Up Your Life you must approach life with the right attitude, the right mindset, the passion, the drive and the willingness to go for your dreams and never let any circumstances or obstacles stop you!
When you do this, then you will always know who you are and where your place in life is. And, guess what? Getting what you want, being happy and fulfilled is yours. In the book, The Alchemist, it is written that, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” This is true…but you have to do your part.
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