Trying to “find yourself” has been the life long mission of mankind since forever. It’s the stuff of legend, the plot of movies, the goal that every young person is supposed to achieve, and all in all seems just about nearly impossible.
First of all who are you? And that of course how do you find you? And are you the real you? The best you? Are you you at all or are we in the matrix?
Kidding aside, the idea of finding “yourself”, though probably impossible as an actual achievement, does contain many positive implications in the journey itself. The idea of trying to better yourself, trying to find your place, trying to be the best possible version of yourself and achieve your “potential” (another trigger word, this time from every middle school report card).
So how do you spark the fire of ambition? The torch of inner searching? How do push yourself to move forward and how do you know if you are on the right track and that the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t just the train coming your way?
1. Try.
How many of us never take the first step because we fear the results? Because we live with a set of preconceived notions that keep us “safe” or from “wasting time”. It seems simple at first, but the idea of committing to trying is a huge step in the direction of accomplishment. Have you been putting off exploring an avenue in your life? A career path? A School? Perhaps you are trying to break a habit, or fight an addiction, or step up to the plate or in the ring. Perhaps the fear of failure or the unknown is keeping you from taking your first step into your future, and to beat this you need to try. Jump in the water (or dip your feet at least), introduce yourself to that girl or guy, send in that job application, grab that karaoke mic and maybe, just maybe, you will surprise yourself. If not, that is completely fine because trying is not a one-time thing, and achievement often comes from extended amounts of trying and failing.
2. Fly:
Not in the literal sense (or maybe in the literal sense), it is not enough to just take a first step, or experience success. True growth is when you can accomplish what you seek to accomplish consistently, at will, and without fear. Very often after one takes a first step or even two, they stop and the fear sets in and they fall back to step one. Once you are on the move, keep moving and don’t look back or down.
3. Guide:
One of the most consistent ways to perfect something is to teach what you know to others. Pass the knowledge and experience onto people who are still working on their first steps, and you will find that it is both eye opening and very personally satisfying to help another. By seeing how they struggle, and answering their questions you will grow as well. If the person is struggling with something or to an extent that is out of your league then don’t risk your own growth, especially in early stages. This can hinder them and you. Instead make a referral to an expert who can competently handle the task.
For more information on supportive Recovery services as well as events and education on addiction contact The Detox Center of Los Angeles; 888-767- 5692
