To Be or Not To Be

Being the best of you means being the real you.

So often, we tend to create a societal version of our identity, spending many, many years building a life around it. When what we are actually doing is trying to fit in, be liked, and please others - for all the wrong reasons. Things go well and good until something way down in the depth of our soul starts to gnaw at us, asking us to consider some new ideas, some new ways of living, and some new desires. That’s when the big question arises, “to be, or not to be?”

Feeling disconnected from your genuine self and struggling to find your real identity can be a harrowing experience. But what you need to remember is that it's okay to be unsure about certain things. And no matter how disconnected you feel from your true self, it’s still always there and available to you.?

Here are 5 ways to cope with identity struggles.

? Practice mindfulness. This will help you shift your focus from others, back onto yourself.

? Seek out new experiences. Trying new things is an excellent self-exploration tool that helps you find what you enjoy.

? Learn more about yourself. Make a list of things you like, write about your past experiences, and when and why you feel certain emotions.

? Find your values. Knowing what’s important to you is key to understanding who you are.

? Reach out to loved ones. Tell them how you’ve been feeling lately. Have open conversations.

Remember, it’s okay to change your mind about who you are, what you want, and what you believe in. To be human is to grow and change. Allow yourself to be human. Take pride in being human. After all, living your life as the real you is the only true measure of success.?