How to reclaim your identity
"It is never too late to be what you might have been." — George Eliot
Almost every person at some point in their lives will ask themselves, who am I? I experience it mostly in the early years of motherhood, I was so devoted to my child and family that I completely lost track of myself. Until one day I ask myself, who am I when I’m not being a mom? And that’s how the process of reclaiming my identity started, so if you are curious of how to do it or have been asking that question to yourself here are some ideas to explore.
Reclaiming one’s identity involves recognizing and honoring the multifaceted aspects of one self beyond the role of motherhood. No one is just one thing, we all have different aspects we need to pay attention.
Reclaiming your identity may involve:
Reconnect with Passions
Rediscovering what excites and energizes you is vital for reclaiming your identity. Whether it's a hobby you've shelved, a career ambition, or a new interest, pursuing your passions it’s important, here is why:
Brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment to your life.
When you engage in activities that align with your passions, you experience a deep sense of joy and satisfaction.
It can help you feel more alive, motivated, and connected to your true self. Passion fuels motivation, creativity, and perseverance.
When you pursue what you love, you naturally become more engaged, enthusiastic, and committed, and this enthusiasm can inspire and influence others.
Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally is crucial to reclaiming your identity. Self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. By dedicating time to nourishing your body with healthy habits, nurturing your mind with positive thoughts, and soothing your emotions through mindful practices, you build resilience and inner strength. Prioritizing self-care ensures you have the energy and capacity to be present and engaged in all aspects of your life.
Neglecting self-care will only push you farther away from who you really are and your identity because without energy we won’t pursuit any effort in reclaiming your identity. If you don’t have a self-care practice start small, decide to dedicate 10, 15 or 30 minutes to yourself daily and do something that recharges you.
Embrace Individuality
Embracing your unique individuality allows you to express yourself authentically. Recognize that your quirks, preferences, and qualities are what make you unique. By honoring and celebrating your individuality, you break free from societal pressures and unrealistic expectations. Being authentic helps you have deeper connections with others and enriches your life with genuine experiences and relationships.
Trying to be different person to different people is exhausting and you end up loosing yourself completely. That’s how we loose our identity in the first place. My teacher Arthur Joseph says: ‘the same person shows up everywhere” That is what it means to be authentically you!
Balance Roles
This is probably the hardest one, but it is crucial to learn to balance the various roles you play, it’s never going to be perfect, but we are not looking for perfection we are looking integration, this involves setting boundaries and priorities, delegating tasks, and carving out time for yourself. By doing so, you can give your best to each area without sacrificing your well-being.
This takes time and it is a work in progress all the time, but learning to manage time more efficiently is key to have the time to reclaim your identity.
Engage in Self-Reflection and Growth
Engaging in self-reflection, personal development, and growth opportunities can help you evolve and thrive in all areas of life. Regular self-reflection allows you to evaluate your progress, identify areas for improvement, and set new goals. Personal development activities such as reading, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship can provide new perspectives and skills. Embracing growth opportunities helps you adapt to changes, overcome challenges, and reach your fullest potential.
This is how I was able to come back to myself, when my son was a little older and I started to have more time to myself I signed up for many clases and workshops, I began a self-discovery journey that truly transformed my life and it’s still doing it, because this is the thing with personal development:you are never done; there is always another layer to uncover, another skill to master, and another perspective to embrace. It's a lifelong journey of growth and evolution.
So now that you know what reclaiming your identity looks like I invite you to do the work; journal about your passions and start exploring things to do. Dedicate time to take care of yourself and embrace your individuality, learn to set boundaries and say no and look for places or activities where you can learn and grow.
My program The MomLife Revive System is just for that, to help you reclaim your identity and give you tools to life a more fulfilling and happy life. Check it out here.
Thanks for reading and keep growing!
With love,
Nathalia Mahecha
