This is such a good read! I whole heartedly agree, over the past couple of years I’ve thought more about myself (sounds weird saying!) than I had done ever before, and I can’t say it’s an enjoyable experience. It’s funny how taking my mind, off of my mind by doing things, learning, being around others has actually protected my peace more!
Beautifully put!! I have been in some perma-crisis since my mid-twenties - so nearly a decade (sigh) - constantly trying to work out 'who I am', so this has really struck a chord. Perhaps the answer is to stop trying to work that out, and instead just double down on being who I am right now - especially since I worked so hard to get here! This piece has given me plenty to mull over, so thank you!
I’m so happy this has resonated with you Jo! I’m constantly going back and forth with this myself - I think it can be especially difficult if you’re quite a thoughtful person which I think a lot of writers/creatives tend to be. Totally agree that trying your best to just enjoy who you are is a fab place to start! This reminded me of a Pinterest quote i saw which said something along the lines of ‘remember when you were wishing for what you have now’, and I think we forget how far we’ve come in ourselves when we’re constantly focusing on what we’re not. Sometimes I make a list of facts about myself, what I know about myself for certain, and that always helps when I have a wobbly moment! So grateful for you reading Jo and taking the time to comment 🤍
Yes to all this! Similar notes have been on my mind lately. Additionally - in the whole sense of "can't have the light without the dark" - and stay with me here - I do think there's benefit (for some people, depending on life experiences) in actively trying to find yourself, in order to let that idea go, in order to properly settle in and actually find yourself... if that makes sense?! (But invariably the true version of this happens at home in the quiet, and not on social media.)
Yes I agree! It was a funny piece to write because I found I kept contradicting myself - in one sense there's no wrong way to 'find yourself' but then equally if we put too much pressure on ourselves we'll drive our truest, most content selves away. So settling into ourselves and finding ourselves by actively trying things that sit right with us deffo works!
Really enjoyed reading this! There’s so much noise out there, sometimes we just need to remember to just be and do fun things and get out of our routine every once in a while. It can really work wonders.
Such a strong, well written piece! Think a lot about this whole subject (😅), unfortunately its hard to implement, but being aware (😂) is the first step right?!?
I absolutely love this, resonated with me and I love how this is raw and authentic and nothing seems fake about finding ourselves (which is what we see on the reinventing ourselves bs on social media)
An amazing piece Ella!! You really are one of the best, most creative minds on here IMHO.
I've been struggling with this issue for probably about two years now, and I'm now at a stage where I consider what environments/people I like myself the most around. That could tell me more about who I am than any self-help book or mindfulness TikTok (which is, in fact, ruining my mind).
"There's nothing to be found. You never went anywhere." Love this line and this whole essay, Ella! Thanks for sharing :)
Thank you for reading Caroline!
This is such a good read! I whole heartedly agree, over the past couple of years I’ve thought more about myself (sounds weird saying!) than I had done ever before, and I can’t say it’s an enjoyable experience. It’s funny how taking my mind, off of my mind by doing things, learning, being around others has actually protected my peace more!
Thank you Allie!! 💕 I think that's it - we can show ourselves who we are easier than we can think about it. If that makes any sense lol
Beautifully put!! I have been in some perma-crisis since my mid-twenties - so nearly a decade (sigh) - constantly trying to work out 'who I am', so this has really struck a chord. Perhaps the answer is to stop trying to work that out, and instead just double down on being who I am right now - especially since I worked so hard to get here! This piece has given me plenty to mull over, so thank you!
I’m so happy this has resonated with you Jo! I’m constantly going back and forth with this myself - I think it can be especially difficult if you’re quite a thoughtful person which I think a lot of writers/creatives tend to be. Totally agree that trying your best to just enjoy who you are is a fab place to start! This reminded me of a Pinterest quote i saw which said something along the lines of ‘remember when you were wishing for what you have now’, and I think we forget how far we’ve come in ourselves when we’re constantly focusing on what we’re not. Sometimes I make a list of facts about myself, what I know about myself for certain, and that always helps when I have a wobbly moment! So grateful for you reading Jo and taking the time to comment 🤍
Wow this was so moving, thank you Ella ❤️
Aw Martha thank you so much! 🤍
Yes to all this! Similar notes have been on my mind lately. Additionally - in the whole sense of "can't have the light without the dark" - and stay with me here - I do think there's benefit (for some people, depending on life experiences) in actively trying to find yourself, in order to let that idea go, in order to properly settle in and actually find yourself... if that makes sense?! (But invariably the true version of this happens at home in the quiet, and not on social media.)
Another great piece! 💖
Yes I agree! It was a funny piece to write because I found I kept contradicting myself - in one sense there's no wrong way to 'find yourself' but then equally if we put too much pressure on ourselves we'll drive our truest, most content selves away. So settling into ourselves and finding ourselves by actively trying things that sit right with us deffo works!
Thank you for reading again Florentyna 💕
You are such a great writer!
Thank you Lucy! This is the nicest thing you could ever say to me 🥹
Really enjoyed reading this! There’s so much noise out there, sometimes we just need to remember to just be and do fun things and get out of our routine every once in a while. It can really work wonders.
Thank you so much Caitlynn! I really appreciate you reading 💕
Such a strong, well written piece! Think a lot about this whole subject (😅), unfortunately its hard to implement, but being aware (😂) is the first step right?!?
Thank you so much Miranda!! That's so kind! 💗 Hahaha I'm the same, but you're right, awareness is the key (at least that's what I tell myself)
I absolutely love this, resonated with me and I love how this is raw and authentic and nothing seems fake about finding ourselves (which is what we see on the reinventing ourselves bs on social media)
An amazing piece Ella!! You really are one of the best, most creative minds on here IMHO.
I've been struggling with this issue for probably about two years now, and I'm now at a stage where I consider what environments/people I like myself the most around. That could tell me more about who I am than any self-help book or mindfulness TikTok (which is, in fact, ruining my mind).