How I Discovered the 5 Things that led to My True Self: A Personal Journey

It’s easy to let life go by on auto-pilot and do things that look good on the outside, seeking validation from others. Very rarely do we pause and ask, what do I like? What makes me, me? What brings me joy?

Through self-reflection, journaling, and experimentation, I have discovered five things that have helped me on my path to self-discovery and made me happy. Join me as I share my journey with you.

Begin by Asking the Hard Questions

I have encountered many people who move through life without knowing what brings them joy.

I was in the same boat before I started asking myself these same questions. My self-exploration led me to leave my full-time job and pursue writing a few years ago.

Even with my newfound passion for writing, I constantly ask myself: Am I doing this for myself or to impress someone else? Are there parts of me I have yet to explore?

Without back-to-back meetings and the pressure of chasing goals that didn’t matter in the long run, I had time to introspect and ask hard questions. My quest has led me to discover things that bring joy and inspire me.

1. Dancing My Way to Happiness

Dancing makes me happy. Growing up in India, I remember standing in front of the mirror and mimicking classical dance movements I saw on TV. Academics were everything where I came from, so I never had an opportunity to pursue dance as a child. 

As a young adult, I joined recreational dance performances and workout classes, which kept my spark alive. However, as life got busy, I forgot about dance. Years passed before I danced to anything.

So, when I recently felt down and unproductive, I had to ask myself what I could do to lift my spirits. I decided to try Zumba at my local gym, and it was there that I fell in love with dancing all over again.

The energy of the class and the smiles on people’s faces, as they move to the music without a care, are infectious. After just one session of Zumba, I felt lighter, energized, and ready to take on the day.

2. Finding Freedom in Every Step

I discovered distance running as a young adult, and it felt freeing. Training for long-distance races with fellow runners gave me a sense of belonging. We all pushed our limits to achieve new goals with each race. 

When I became a mother, I ran one more half-marathon but decided that I couldn’t simultaneously commit to distance running, manage a job, and navigate motherhood.

However, I continued to run short distances around the neighborhood over the years. However, the pandemic and relocation distanced me from running altogether. Reflecting on this, I realized that I long for the joys of distance running.

I miss the community that comes with it. I miss the long runs on Saturday mornings and the warm sun on my face, which helps me let go of my worries. I miss the feeling of empowerment while running to motivational songs.

Now, as a parent of a teenager with more time on my hands, I decided to reacclimate to it and get back in shape to run with a group.

3. Finding Joy through Music

At my son’s piano recital, his teacher and her son performed a piano/violin duet. Their performance touched me, and I loved the bond music created between them. I wanted to share a similar experience with my son so we could one day play together. This experience inspired me to learn the violin.

I have been taking violin classes for almost a year now. Although I am far from proficient, something has shifted in me lately. I have become more attentive to the music around me.

I began noticing music in the shows I watched and how it can influence our emotions and impact how we connect with the story. For instance, I see my heartbeat rising to a fast tempo during intense scenes.

This whole new world of music and the possibility of playing songs I like in the future fills me with joy. 

4. Working with the Mind & Body

Each time life throws a curveball at me, like a family conflict or the loss of a friendship, I get consumed with the thoughts and emotions that come with it. I longed for a better way to deal with difficult situations.

I wanted another way to deal with stress than relying on readily available intoxicants. So, I began on a path to train my mind through meditation for the past few years.

Meditation changed how I view life, deal with day-to-day situations, and interact with people around me. It has brought me calm and peace and has given me a sense of direction. 

Over the last few months, I have realized that I must work with my body and mind. When life became stressful, I noticed my shoulders and upper back tense. The need to relax my body led me to yoga. 

Each yoga class gives my body a chance to reset. It grounds me, forcing me to slow down and focus on each posture, rooting me in the current moment. The science of yoga and learning about small things we can do to relieve body tension brings me calm and joy.

5. Self-Exploration through Acting

Acting classes are my latest source of joy. I stumbled into acting by asking myself what else might come naturally to me. It led me to the realization that I am very in tune with my emotions. I also liked the stage, so I signed up for some classes. 

My instructor describes acting as a vulnerable art form that requires us to expose ourselves. Vulnerability has been a common theme in everything I have done lately, whether I am learning to play the violin as an adult or writing. 

I do not mind being vulnerable; it’s how I connect with others. Even though performing in front of the group each week can be nerve-wracking, acting gives me euphoria.

It pushes me to face my fears. Learning this new craft with many other students also gives me a sense of community and belonging.

Using Introspection as a Path to Self-Discovery

Each activity helps me on my path to self-discovery and brightens my life. Dancing uplifts me, running frees me, yoga and meditation make me rooted and give me a sense of purpose, and acting lets me explore the side of me I have yet to discover.

What worked for me might not work for you. You may like to travel, play team sports, or immerse yourself in books. But it all begins with an attempt to get to know yourself. 

Journaling can be a great tool to discover yourself. Books like The Artist Way have many questions that help you get to know yourself.

So, could you pause and reflect on what drives and motivates you? This is not to please others but to figure out what makes you smile from within.

Start making a list of things and find a way to incorporate them into your life, even for an hour a day or week. Give yourself the opportunities you didn’t have as a child, and start your journey today.