Reclaim Your True Identity: Stop the Theft of Your Authentic Self

by Donna Tashjian

Identity theft isn't just about stolen credit cards or bank accounts; it's about the theft of your true self. Typically, when we think of identity theft, we imagine someone stealing our personal information to commit fraud. However, there's another kind of identity theft that is far more insidious and damaging – the theft of our self-identity. This type of identity theft occurs when external influences and experiences distort and erode our true sense of self.

Understanding Identity Theft

In this context, identity theft refers to how external influences and experiences can damage your sense of self. It’s the gradual erosion of your true identity, leaving you feeling lost and disconnected from who you were meant to be.Imagine someone stealing your wallet. It's frustrating, but you can get new cards and replace the lost items. However, emotional identity theft steals something far more precious – your sense of who you are. It's the constant barrage of negative messages or experiences that chip away at your self-worth, leaving you feeling like a shadow of your true self.

Four Ways Identity Can Be Damaged

1. Identity Abuse: This occurs through damaging statements that attack who you are. Constant criticism like "you're not good enough" or name-calling can erode your self-worth. Imagine trying to nurture a garden under constant shade – it can't flourish. Similarly, negative messages can stunt our growth and prevent us from becoming who we were meant to be.
2. Violent Trauma: Traumatic experiences, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, can shatter your sense of self-worth. These events leave you feeling broken and questioning your value. It's like a building's foundation being cracked by an earthquake – the very core of who we are feels shaky and uncertain.
3. Neglect: Emotional and physical neglect, especially during formative years, can invalidate your identity. When your needs for love, attention, and validation aren’t met, it’s easy to feel invisible and unimportant. Just like a neglected plant withers, a neglected child struggles to develop a healthy sense of self.
4. Perception: Feeling undervalued or witnessing violence can distort your self-perception. Constantly being in environments where you feel insignificant or unsafe can deeply affect how you view yourself and your potential. It’s like looking into a distorted mirror – the reflection doesn’t match reality.

Are any of these resonating with you? How many of these four damaging influences ring true to your experience? You're not alone. I have felt all four of them at different points in my life. It's unfortunately a more common experience than you might think. Recognizing these sources of identity theft is the first step toward healing. By acknowledging their impact, you can begin the journey of reclaiming your true, God-given identity.

Long-Term Impact

These damaging experiences have long-lasting effects. Many people struggle to accept the truth about themselves, even when presented with clear evidence. They cling to the lies they’ve believed for so long, finding it difficult to see their true, beautiful selves. It's like trying to see clearly through fogged-up glasses – even with the truth right in front of you, the view remains blurred.

Steps to Reclaim Your Identity

• Awareness: The first step is identifying the lies you believe about yourself. Reflect on your past experiences and recognize the external influences that have distorted your self-image. By understanding the origins of these false beliefs, you can begin the process of breaking free from their grip.
• Discover the Truth: External negativity can warp our perception of who we truly are. Once you’ve identified the lies, the next step is to uncover the truth about who you are. This involves replacing those false beliefs with positive truths about your inherent worth and potential. Think of it as weeding out the negative influences that have taken root in your mind and planting vibrant new flowers in their place – nourishing yourself with positive truths allows you to grow and thrive.
• Experience the Truth: It's not enough to just know the truth; you need to experience and embrace it. Making powerful, positive choices will reinforce your sense of self and lead to a more vibrant life.

Taking the Next Step

Reclaiming your true identity is a journey, and there's no shame in seeking help. Remember, you are worthy and deserving of a life filled with love, joy, and purpose. Start reclaiming your true identity today!

Bio:

Donna is an International Spiritual ??Intelligence Method? & Life Mastery Coach and visionary founder of Vibrant Living International, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to vibrant, purpose-driven lives.

With over 30 years of experience as a warm, caring, and down-to-earth inspirational speaker and coach, Donna has touched countless lives, helping individuals around the world accelerate their personal transformation journey. Her mission is to empower you to experience your dreams of abundance, all while maintaining harmony in your life and fostering thriving relationships. Double your clarity, peace, self-confidence, and productivity in 12 weeks, guaranteed. Experience her gifts by visiting this link.