“You are what you believe in. You become that which you believe you can become.“
-Bhagavad Gita
In a world filled with external influences, expectations and hypocrisy, the concept of true self identity emerges as an exploration – an odyssey inward that goes beyond the layers that we present to the world and explores into the nucleus of our being. Understanding our true self is not only a journey of self-discovery but a transformative process that moulds our decisions and perspectives. It allows us to rewrite our story- one that is authentic and genuinely ours.
What is the true self?
Everybody has a sense of “self”. It is the authentic and unaltered version of an individual’s identity. It encompasses our thought processes, our physical body and experiences that we encounter. The true self is the origin of acceptance, love and wisdom as well as a reflection of beliefs and values. Embracing our true selves is accepting both our strengths and weaknesses, our light and shadow sides.
As we align with our true selves, we will find a sense of liberation and motivation that transcends external validation. Our confidence, anchored in the knowledge of our true selves, allows us to understand and respect who we truly are. This transformative process may not always be straightforward; it requires courage to confront the aspects of ourselves we may have denied or kept hidden. Yet, the benefits are boundless: a profound sense of inner peace and a connection to our purpose in the world. Essentially, embracing our true self-identity leads to happiness, resilience and self-fulfillment.
In Psychology, the true-self may be regarded as the essence of an individual who is unaffected by the external influences and pressures. Several psychologists, including Abraham Maslow, Carl Jung and Carl Rogers explored and contributed to the concept of true self-identity and its role in psychological development, personal fulfillment and self-discovery.
The path to true self-identity is multifaceted, involving elements such as continuous growth, self-reflection and setting boundaries.
- Continuous growth: True self identity develops with experiences and time. Fostering a growth mindset leads to continuous self-discovery.
- Self-reflection: Self-reflection allows us to pause and examine the nature of our emotions, thoughts and conduct. Through self-reflection we gain a better understanding of our underlying aspirations and fears which brighten up the path to self-discovery.
- Setting boundaries: Establish boundaries that respect your emotional well-being, priorities and values. Learn to say no to whatever that does not align with your authentic self.
Be true to yourself.
