Tune in to Yourself

I feel that in order to take better care of ourselves and those around us, it is important we take a moment to learn about ourselves to properly tune in to what we love, what energizes us, what depletes us of our energy and what guides us towards what we want, like a compass.

For some, knowing what they enjoy, what relaxes them and how to set appropriate boundaries comes easily to them. But for others, it can be difficult to separate what excites them or what they are interested in for themselves from what someone else likes or wants from them. Similar to following a broken compass, as a result they have veered off course and have forgotten what grounds them and what guides them.

Luckily, I believe it’s possible to calibrate our personal compass so that we can tune into our own likes, wants and needs without having to stop caring about others. I also feel this allows us to form better connections with others as we stop giving from a place of scarcity but rather it enables us to give from a place of fulfilment and strength.

Personally, it has taken me a long time to learn that I can still be there for others without having to push myself aside. I used to think it was the only way for me to really be there for others (at times unconsciously). Through further exploration, I have come to realize the two can co-exist.

In fact, I can be even more present and stronger for those around me by making sure I take care of myself and dedicate appropriate time to myself.

I’m not going to lie and say I have it all figured out now but I do think it is a part of the beauty of personal growth. New realizations and experiences are possible and worth exploring throughout our lives as they give us more information about ourselves.

I continue the journey of discovering new things that I enjoy and that energize me and I am grateful for it. Accepting ourselves and allowing ourselves to be who we are is part of the process and I believe self-discovery is a path worth traveling.

- How might you discover something new about yourself?

- What is something that interests you but that you have not yet tried?

- What might be stopping you?

Written by Marie-Josée Marchica