What makes you feel like 'you?'
Hey all,
So there are times where I've wondered what makes me feel like 'me' (hence the topic title).
And I think for me, the closest thing I have to an answer is when I approach and engage with everyday being true to myself and others.
This can come in the shape or form as the sum of my interactions and conversations as well as as being engaged in some of my favorite activities. Moreover though, there's just this *feeling* that I get (in conversation or time spent with myself) when I just intuitively know that I am being 'me'.
Hopefully this makes sense, but I would say some of the more peaceful moments in my life have come from these times where I truly feel at home with myself.
I really like this question. I can't even answer, I feel speechless in a weird way. I think this has given me a lot to think about.
@TheRealAlice96
Thank you very much; that is such a humbling compliment!!
@sereneSunset26
This is an amazing question! I think my answer would be similar to yours. I really like to do something I find meaningful such as volunteering and spending time with the people I love. The times when I do something that feels ´out of character´ are usually very spontaneous things, as I like to plan and organize everything to ensure it will go well. However, I try to do more of these things now because I noticed I neglect my own needs often and fear is also sometimes preventing me from doing things I want.
@globalBraid3744
Thank you!!
I think there is an innate satisfaction (as long as we aren't neglecting our own needs--something I have experience with) that comes from serving others.
But yeah, for me there is that balance in making sure that I don't neglect my needs. Because, for as much as I strive to be authentic towards myself, I can't do that and self-sabotage at the same time.
@sereneSunset26
This is a great question to ask to encourage everyone for self reflection. Thank you for this post!
I feel that I'm truly me when doing something from the heart, something I'm really passionate about like giving support here but also being around animals or in the woods surrounded by plants.
@amiablePeace77
This is a great question to ask to encourage everyone for self reflection. Thank you for this post!
I feel that I'm truly me when doing something from the heart, something I'm really passionate about like giving support here but also being around animals or in the woods surrounded by plants.
You're very welcome!! I really have to agree with you that doing something from the heart and with passion is a great way for any of us to get in touch with ourselves.
Would it be fair to say that you like to spend a lot of time outside? Because that would certainly account for being around animals, in the woods, and around plants. :)
@sereneSunset26
You are so right! 😊 My happy place is my garden or the forest.
@amiablePeace77
You are so right! 😊 My happy place is my garden or the forest.
So just a couple questions with that. :)
Do you have any favorite vegetables that you grow in your garden? Also, what are some memorable forests that you've visited?
@sereneSunset26
Hi sereneSunset26 . Yes I do have vegetables, I grow most of my food in grow bags which works fine and they come in different sizes. I grow a lot of green leave vegetables since they are very healthy for the body, most of them are high in magnesium which has also a calming effect and they also seem to help to fight inflammation in the body (arthritis prevention).
I think some of the most memorable forests I ever visited were in Costa Rica, Columbia and Guatemala and Barbados! 😊
I feel me when I am talking about a subject I love to people I love or when Im in deep conversation with someone and I feel connected to someone by beliefs or thoughts. I have a special place for common ideas with someone. 🥺
@placidOcean1738
I can relate to what you said about having a deep conversation. It feels good knowing the other person does truly understand your thoughts.
@placidOcean1738
I feel me when I am talking about a subject I love to people I love or when Im in deep conversation with someone and I feel connected to someone by beliefs or thoughts. I have a special place for common ideas with someone.
I definitely agree that love can connect us to people as well as concepts. And when we share those ideas or concepts with someone, like you said, it is pretty magical when it all comes together. :)
@sereneSunset26 great idea for a thread. Thanks for sharing
I feel most like myself when I can tune into people and clearly see them as they are without my preconceived ideas and expectations.
@soulsings
I feel most like myself when I can tune into people and clearly see them as they are without my preconceived ideas and expectations.
This so wonderfully stated. I often think of my first impressions of people (or just my continuing impressions), and I sometimes wonder if I'm really seeing them for who they actually are. It's as you said; it's so easy to make assumptions and have expectations about people. When, sometimes, those two things can potentially lead to miscommunications and misunderstandings.
Personally, I am most myself when I am creating. Whether that be art, music, conversation, poetry, etc. It makes me feel alive, in a way that is almost indescribable.
@LavenderBee3612
Personally, I am most myself when I am creating. Whether that be art, music, conversation, poetry, etc. It makes me feel alive, in a way that is almost indescribable.
I can definitely vibe with that! I feel that the innate act of creating can really connect us--both to ourselves and others. Like yourself, I am also a huge fan of music, conversation, and poetry.
@sereneSunset26
When I write it feels as though nothing can get to me. I'm in my own little world. It's nice
@LavenderBee3612
I can absolutely relate to what you mean by this!
I think there is something innately grounding and self-exploratory with writing. Because, for me, it's like I'm simultaneously accessing my thoughts, emptying them out, while using a mindfulness-type process to encourage the creation of new thoughts and words. :)
Sunshine!
@goldenEye5252
This is a great answer!!
If you don't mind me extrapolating a bit, what is it in particular with sunshine that resonated with/for you as a person? :)
What an insightful question :) I think it asks us to truly tune in within and see what makes us feel like ourselves. I think I feel the most like myself when I am surrounded by meaningful connections perhaps a coffee with a good friend or a loved one or spending time with my children who love me unconditionally always makes me feel like me. Great question! I loved reading the responses too.
@LisaMeighanMBPsS
What an insightful question :) I think it asks us to truly tune in within and see what makes us feel like ourselves. I think I feel the most like myself when I am surrounded by meaningful connections perhaps a coffee with a good friend or a loved one or spending time with my children who love me unconditionally always makes me feel like me. Great question! I loved reading the responses too.
Thank you for the compliment, Lisa!!
I think you made a great point regarding receiving unconditional love. This is something that, through circumstances, I didn't get until later in life, but I can absolutely vouch for its effectiveness in making me feel like myself. In my own recovery though trauma (the circumstances), I learned that a lot of the self-actualization and happiness that we can feel everyday comes from the literal feeling of acting in authenticity towards ourselves. :)
@sereneSunset26
What beautiful words about connecting to our authentic selves and self-acceptance. It takes time when we've gone through such traumas in life but you have summed it up so beautifully in your comment. ❤️
I think I have no 'myself' left. No personality traits, no way to describe me, can't really consider myself a person.
I understand the feeling you describe, but i can't remember last time I've felt it and why or when. There's possible nothing left at all, no matter what old or new I've tried, not ringing a bell. Idk what to do about it anymore.
@Shauni05
I think I have no 'myself' left. No personality traits, no way to describe me, can't really consider myself a person.
I understand the feeling you describe, but i can't remember last time I've felt it and why or when. There's possible nothing left at all, no matter what old or new I've tried, not ringing a bell. Idk what to do about it anymore.
Speaking for myself, and as someone who was raised to be a people-pleaser, I could at one point very much identify with what you're saying. I don't know your situation, but I do know that therapy (via books and therapists) and mindfulness both helped me tons on this particular journey,
I wish you luck in yours, and please know that resources are out there to help. :)
@sereneSunset26
Great Question! what makes me feel like me????? So many things. I think it can be taking a walk in nature and just being there with nature. Riding my horse out in the wilderness alone and listening to the stillness with my thoughts and feeling my connection to my horse. Baking a new dish for family and thinking about how they will feel when the eat it. Watching it snow curled up next to a fire. So many things like that.
@CynthiaStockerLCSWLICSW
Great Question! what makes me feel like me????? So many things. I think it can be taking a walk in nature and just being there with nature. Riding my horse out in the wilderness alone and listening to the stillness with my thoughts and feeling my connection to my horse. Baking a new dish for family and thinking about how they will feel when the eat it. Watching it snow curled up next to a fire. So many things like that.
Thank you, Cynthia!!
From reading your post, would you say that nature provides an optimal opportunity for you to decompress and just be present for however long you're outside? It seems like your connection with your horse is a wonderful part of that equation as well. :)
