Who Are You, Really?: On Finding Your Soul

Do you know who you are?

Have you ever taken the time to think about who you are, seriously? Have you ever taken the time to think about why you are here on this planet? Do you realize that there is not, there never has been, and there never, ever will be another you? You are unique, and there is a reason why you are on this planet: You have a mission to accomplish.

If you are not going to be the real you, the rest of us, the whole of humanity, are going to miss out; and if you do not accomplish your mission, nobody else will.

How do you feel about that? Excited or terrified?

You are not here by chance; there is a plan behind your birth. You are, truly and simply, a wonder. But have you ever taken the time to think about or, better still, write down your unique qualities, characteristics, talents, gifts, and treasures? Why do you not start doing it now? This will help you to start developing knowledge of yourself.

Now let me ask you a question or two: Who is the most important person in your life, right now? Which is the most important relationship in your life? I am sure you know the answer . . . the answer is you. Was that your answer? Do not hide yourself! I can see you!

Once I did a survey in one of my workshops, and I asked these questions. Only 2 percent of the people answered in this way, but we need to change that to at least 98 percent!

Let me tell you very clearly: You are the most important person in your life, and the most important relationship is the one with yourself.

I know you are going to ask me, “Isn’t this selfish?” The answer is no.

Let me ask you another question: Who is the person with whom you will spend your entire life, guaranteed? So it is worth having a good relationship with that person, is it not?

In order to develop the relationship with yourself, you need to take time, just you, alone, and ask yourself questions. Here is an exercise to help you develop a relationship with yourself and get more centered.

Sit down in a quiet place, preferably on the floor, for about 20 minutes. Close your eyes, and start asking yourself questions. Do not try to answer consciously—just ask questions to yourself, and you will simply feel the answers inside. If you do not feel anything, do not worry—it will come. Just keep asking questions, such as the following.

• Am I being the real me?
• Am I welcoming, embracing, accepting, approving, and supporting myself?
• Am I encouraging, forgiving, and justifying myself, saying “I always do the best I can”?
• Do I love myself unconditionally and constantly?
• Am I cherishing and celebrating myself for who I am?
• Am I giving myself the worth I deserve?
• Am I respecting myself and my needs?
• Am I treating myself well?
• Do I thank myself?
• Am I giving myself the permission to be myself?
• Am I giving myself the permission to be happy?
• Am I giving myself the permission to create and live the life that would make me happy?

Once you have finished these 20 minutes of meditation with yourself, thank yourself and come out of it. Repeat this time with yourself every day, when it suits you best, and you will develop a meaningful relationship with yourself.

Now you will start knowing who you are and developing a relationship with yourself, but you are much more than that. What about your soul? Have you ever taken the time to connect with your soul? Connecting with your soul will give you depth, will help you develop your philosophy on the world and on life, and will help you get clarity on your values, code of conduct, and morals; it will give you your spirituality and enable you to find true meaning and fulfillment.

In order to connect with your soul, you need to meditate: spend time with yourself in silence, ask yourself philosophical questions, look with wonder at the simple things in life—nature, the smile of a child, human warmth. Savor things, take time to discover; ask yourself which are your true values, morals, and what you stand for, and keep searching for a deep meaning in things and life. Look beyond, go beyond, and go inside yourself: Your inner life is there.

Then find ways to express your inner self, your inner life, by writing, by painting, by playing an instrument, by creating something with your hands, or by simply being and loving.

You can also decide to connect with Someone Higher than you, God or a Higher Power.

Believing in Someone Higher will enable you
• to overcome depression and loneliness, by knowing that the Higher Presence is continuous and thus feeling a connection
• to overcome hopelessness and despair by knowing you are continuously supported and helped and encouraged by the Higher Presence
• to overcome feelings of unworthiness and feeling unloved by knowing that the Higher Presence loves you unconditionally, immensely, and constantly.

Thus you will be able to find your true peace of heart in all things and at every moment.

When are you going to give yourself this wonderful gift you totally deserve?

** This article is one of 101 great articles that were published in 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life. To get complete details on “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life”, visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/greatways3.html