There comes a time in life when you feel this almost visceral need to find yourself, to understand who you really are. For me, this quest began slowly, almost unconsciously, until it became obvious: I had to go and discover myself. Not to change who I was, but to welcome myself as I am, with my strengths, my weaknesses, and this unique light that I carry within me.
Everything we need – courage, strength, compassion and love – is already there, deep within us. Self-discovery is not a journey to an unknown place, but a return to ourselves, an inner exploration that opens the door to a more fulfilling life, aligned with our deepest aspirations.
Why seek to know yourself better?
Discovering yourself means first agreeing to take a break to dive inside yourself. It's not about judging yourself or pointing out what's wrong, but rather welcoming each part of yourself with kindness.
For me, self-discovery allowed me to:
• Understanding what really excites me, what drives me on a daily basis
• Identify my strengths, those unique qualities that allow me to move forward
• Recognizing my limits to better respect them and preserve my energy
• Making choices that are like me, not those that are expected of me
By knowing myself better, I learned to make decisions more aligned with my values, to assert myself and to live my life with intention. It is a path that requires courage, but also a lot of love and compassion towards oneself.
The First Steps to Self-Discovery
Starting this journey is like opening the door to a room that has been closed for a long time. You don't always know what you're going to find, but you know it's essential. Here's what helped me move forward:
1. Take time for myself
In the whirlwind of life, it is easy to forget about yourself. I have learned to create moments of pause for myself, to refocus and listen to what is happening inside me. Whether it is a walk in nature, a moment of meditation or a simple cup of tea, these moments are precious.
2. Listen to my emotions
Our emotions are like messengers. They tell us about our needs, our desires, but also about what no longer suits us. By taking the time to welcome them, without running away from them or judging them, I discovered a part of myself that needed to be heard.
3. Writing to clarify my thoughts
Journaling has helped me a lot to put into words what I feel and to better understand what is happening inside me. Sometimes writing allows you to see things with more clarity and transform the inner chaos into a more serene space.
Fine stones, allies for finding yourself
On this path to self-discovery, semi-precious stones are true companions for me. They bring me this gentle and benevolent presence, like silent guides who help me move forward with more confidence.
• Amethyst: It invites me to reflection and introspection. When I feel lost or need to reconnect with myself, I meditate with an amethyst to find my inner calm.
• Labradorite: Protective, it helps me to refocus on my energy and to listen to my intuition without letting myself be overwhelmed by the gaze of others.
• Rose quartz: Stone of unconditional love, it teaches me to love myself and to welcome each part of me with compassion and gentleness.
My personal ritual: I take a few minutes each day to sit down, hold a stone in my hands. I breathe deeply, listen to what comes without judgment, and remind myself that I am exactly where I am meant to be.
Free yourself from expectations and dare to be yourself
Setting out on a journey of self-discovery also means learning to free yourself from external expectations. For a long time, I tried to match what others expected of me, to the detriment of who I really was. Then I understood that to be happy, I had to allow myself to be myself, without a mask, without compromise.
When we fully accept ourselves, we attract situations and people that are like us. It's as if everything becomes more fluid, more natural, because we are no longer afraid of being seen for who we are.
Fulfillment comes through authenticity
Knowing yourself better means giving yourself the chance to flourish fully. By understanding my true aspirations, I was able to take concrete actions to achieve them. Whether in my personal, professional or spiritual life, I feel more aligned today.
Some questions that guided me:
• What am I really passionate about?
• What values are important to me?
• What dreams have I put aside out of fear or lack of time?
• Which relationships inspire me and which ones drag me down?
These reflections allowed me to take back the reins of my life and reconnect with what deeply drives me.
Everything is already in you
This path of discovery is not always linear. Sometimes it requires courage to face what is hidden deep inside. But there is something magical in realizing that everything we need is already there: strength, courage, love and compassion. We just have to dare to go and meet ourselves to find them again.
By discovering myself a little more each day, I learned to love myself as I am. To believe in myself, even when doubt sets in. To move forward with gentleness and determination towards a life that suits me.
And you, are you ready to go and meet yourselves? This journey is undoubtedly the most beautiful one that one can undertake.
I wish you to find yourself, to love yourself, and above all to dare to shine exactly as you are.
♡ Maria Elisabeth ♡