When my two boys left for college over a decade ago, I began an unexpected journey. It wasn’t a planned adventure or a spontaneous retreat. Instead, I accepted the invitation of my heart to take a critical look at my life and was surprised at what I found. Although I considered myself accomplished in successfully raising two talented young men, maintaining a romantic relationship with my husband, and managing a corporate day job, there was a hole in my heart that was difficult to articulate. By the standards of modern society, I was a success, so why did I feel so empty? I felt as if I was in a state of flux, unsure of who I was and what I wanted.
In my quest to fill the emptiness left as my children began their path toward adulthood, I started by reclaiming my health and routinely attending local yoga classes. A wise instructor prompted me to “be curious and notice what’s happening right now.” This simple, offhand remark illuminated a dark space within me, and I realized I had lost my curiosity. This experience and this ember of curiosity ignited my journey toward self-discovery and altered the course of my life.
With the awakening of my curious mind, I experienced a boost of creativity, problem-solving, and open-mindedness. As I began to question and reflect upon all aspects of my life, I slowly started the process of releasing the expectations I had about myself – the need to be perfect, the need to please everyone all the time, the need to toil endlessly at a corporate job that was not fulfilling me on any level except the financial one. As I let go of these restrictive perceptions, I began to embrace the unlimited possibilities of my future.
As my journey unfolded, I began saying “yes” to pursuits that brought me joy and “no” to activities that drained my energy. I established boundaries, and as I did, my relationships with family and friends improved. I began to identify and explore my passions and enthusiastically rekindled my interests in self-healing and divination. This process leads me to study the extraordinary practices of Reiki, tarot, astrology, vibrational sound healing, and hypnotherapy. I began to know myself on a deeper level and began to share my authentic self with others.
Over the years, I have embraced these “lost” parts of myself, and my reintegration has contributed to a wealth of changes – both in my internal and external worlds. I have a new sense of peace and confidence. In my journey toward wholeness, I began to take chances and submitted two manuscripts to publishing houses, which were accepted. I also decided to share my passions with others by opening my holistic wellness and divination center, Intuitive Hearts, in Rhode Island. With my new limitless approach to life, identifying and reconnecting with the lost and rejected parts of myself, I firmly believe I will continue to expand and grow in profound and unexpected ways.
I encourage everyone to take this exciting adventure. You can think of this exploration as a treasure hunt where the gold you find will be your authentic self, unique talents, and deeper connection to others. Consider the following questions: What parts of you have been sacrificed on the altar of adulthood or to please others? What aspects of yourself have you neglected over the years?
Start today by reconnecting with yourself by taking these three simple steps.
- Become curious: To foster curiosity, ask questions during your daily life, such as “Why” and “What’s happening right now.” Ask these questions with the fear of judgment. Proactively engage with different perspectives and seek out unfamiliar experiences. Embrace uncertainty and be open to learning from failures and setbacks. Cultivate a mindset of wonder and exploration, and let your curiosity guide you into the unknown and limitless possibilities.
- Start a journal: As you embrace your curious nature, reflect on your interests, emotions, and experiences by writing them down in a journal or notebook. As you journal, ask probing questions to dive deeper into your thoughts and motivations. Record your discoveries along the way. This introspection fosters self-awareness, leading to a more genuine understanding of yourself.
- Take a step into the unknown: Trying something new challenges your preconceptions about yourself and expands your horizons. Stepping outside of your comfort zone encourages personal growth and self-discovery. Welcome the unfamiliar, whether it’s a new hobby, cuisine, or area of study. Through new experiences, uncover hidden passions, strengths, and talents, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding and acceptance of your authentic self.
Embracing the limitless possibilities of yourself fuels the journey toward understanding your true nature. Knowing your authentic self brings clarity, confidence, and alignment. It promotes genuine connections, guides decision-making, and cultivates inner peace, leading to a fulfilling and rewarding life adventure.
