Do you feel in touch with yourself?
As I am laying in bed right now, I realized that in most circumstances, people feel out of touch with themselves. In a world that is constantly telling you what the “ideal” body is supposed to look like and that you “should” have it all together… it can be hard to even know who you are and what you want for yourself. No matter your age, there is always some type of pressure held against you and that’s pretty fucked up. At what point did the big bowl of ramen that I ate for lunch affect the world? It didn’t. People have a way of involving themselves into your business and then place judgements onto you when it does not affect them a single bit.
So, do you know the true you?
Simple answer: yes and no
We evolve every single day and factors are ever-changing. Our opinions, thoughts, values, goals, etc. are always evolving. You’re probably thinking “Okay Julia get to the point”, so I will. Let me supply you with three methods of becoming more in touch with yourself.
Disconnect:
Take a break from all social platforms for at least a week minimum. Delete all social media apps and if you are able to… limit your phone usage. We are well-oiled machines when it comes to our devices. We become engulfed with everything and everyone else’s life, that we lose a sense of what we enjoy. During your disconnect period, pick an area of your life to focus on each day. For example: when you are taking a shower, instead of unconsciously doing your routine, actually pay attention to the details. Feel how the steam eases your mind and releases the tension within your shoulders. Notice how the water glides down your skin and how calming the warmth is. Take in the aroma of your shampoo or body wash. Being mindful about every single thing you do. We get sucked into getting through the day and lose the connect with the sensations of each day.
Write:
I am sure you have heard this before but I want to encourage just how therapeutic writing is. Sit down outside or inside wherever you feel most comfortable. Grab a notebook, journal, or any piece of paper and if there isn’t a prominent topic on your mind that is weighing you down then instinctively write. By instinctively write I mean, tune in to your body and without thought begin writing. More times than not, doing this will help your mind guide itself through all of the thoughts that have been dormant. You may only have a few sentences or you may have 7 pages filled with your thoughts. Neither is too little or too much, This is for you not anyone else.
Listen:
Since I was 17, this has been my number one method of finding a way to better connect with myself. You don’t have to go for a drive if you don’t like to but this is what I do. I will get in my car and not have a destination which already puts me at ease. Not having the pressure of going somewhere specific or feeling rushed… I can freely drive wherever my instinct guides me. Now, the crucial step of this is put on that music. I don’t care if it’s hard core rock, jazz, rap, pop, or your guilty pleasure song like “we don’t talk about bruno” (no judging remember). I want you to tune into how you react to the music, the lyrics, the environment around you. Roll the windows down if it’s nice out and breathe in the fresh air. Notice how all of these make you feel. Let out some tears if that’s where this journey takes you. You are allowed to feel.
These are three of my go-to methods when I begin to lose sight of who I am. I know how depressing it can become when you no longer recognize who you are. I use these methods when it comes to stress, depression, anxiety, etc. They all go hand in hand and can be applied to most circumstances.
That brings us back to the question at hand now:
Will you take the steps to feel in touch with yourself again?