A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY

 Are you tired of living a life that doesn't truly reflect who you are? Do you feel like you're just going through the motions, without a sense of purpose or direction? If so, you're not alone.

In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the expectations of others and lose sight of what's truly important to us. We may find ourselves living a life that's been defined by our family, friends, or society, rather than one that's authentic and meaningful to us.

But what if you could break free from these external expectations and discover your true self? What if you could uncover your passions, values, and strengths, and live a life that's truly aligned with who you are?

Before embarking on the journey to discover purpose, have you discovered YOU? You can’t truly say you are on a journey to discover your purpose on earth when you have not discovered yourself.

This is the power of self-discovery.

What is Self-Discovery?

Self-discovery is the process of gaining insight and understanding into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It's a journey of exploration and growth, one that helps you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, self-discovery is "the process of learning about yourself and your beliefs." It's a process that involves reflection, introspection, and exploration, and one that can have a profound impact on your life.

Why is Self-Discovery Important?

• Self-discovery is important because it allows you to live a life that's authentic and meaningful to you. When you have a deep understanding of yourself, you're able to make choices that align with your values and passions, and live a life that's truly fulfilling.

• Self-discovery is also important because it helps you develop a sense of purpose and direction. When you know what you stand for and what you want to achieve, you're able to create a life that's intentional and meaningful.

Self-discovery begins by knowing why God created you which is your purpose on earth. We are in a world where the world systems define who we are, forgetting and neglecting our true self, we are easily compromised. The bible says that "we are in the world but not of the world", which means the systems of the world should not dictate to us how we live our lives.

The Consequences of Not Knowing Yourself
Some have allowed their families, friends, neighbors, and even circumstances to define them, which is not true. Because you don't know who you are, you live in self-denial, you don't have to go around wearing your problems like a garment seeking sympathy from people. If you don't know who you are, people and circumstances will take advantage of you.

A Powerful Illustration
Ever heard about the story of a farmer that reared sheep? One day, he went to his farm and saw a baby lion, a cub, and brought it home. The lion grew in the midst of the sheep, ate what the sheep ate, and behaved like a sheep. One day, the lion and the sheep went out and met the mother lion, and the mother lion roared, and they all ran away, including the young lion. A day came when the young lion saw his reflection in water and noticed that he looked exactly like the beast they ran from the other day. After a while, they encountered the lion, and instead of the young lion running, he walked towards the lion and went with them.

This story illustrates what happens when we don't know who we are. We can easily be defined by our circumstances and the people around us. But when we discover our true identity, we can walk in confidence and purpose.

How to Discover Yourself

1. Search the Scriptures: The bible is our only manual for living, and everything that pertains to life is in the bible. The bible is the only true book that can truly tell you who you are and what your purpose is. Finding purpose outside God and His word will end up in frustration. Revelation 1:6 clearly tells us that "we are kings and priests", but if you don't know, you will think you are a slave and you will live like one. The way you see yourself will determine how people see you and treat you.
2. Self-Reflection: Reflect on your values, what matters to you most? What do you stand for? What are you passionate about? Children, animals, plants, sports? What kind of sport? Do you love to teach, speak, write, crack jokes, dance, sing, play drums? What are your natural talents? What is that thing that you find yourself doing with ease and passion? How do you feel about certain situations and circumstances? Who are the people that genuinely support and inspire you?

A quick story: One of my little cousins, when he was about 5 years old, was so passionate about air conditioners and fans. He would draw them, and those were the first things he would notice in a room. When we went for events, he would tell us how many ACs and fans were in the hall, the types of ACs, whether it was a split unit or window or standing ACs. I was so certain that he would go for science in senior class become an engineer because he knew all the parts in an air conditioner etc. Unfortunately, when he entered senior class, his father told him to study accounting, and it was a struggle for him.

This example illustrates the importance of self-reflection and discovery. When we know what we're passionate about and what we're good at, we can make choices that align with our strengths and interests. It also illustrates the important role parents have to play in the life of a child to help him/her identify their values early which will make the journey to purpose become an easy one.

In most case scenario especially in western Africa, parents end up forcing their children to become who they wanted to become but didn't based on circumstances which ends up destabilizing the children for a while, some even give up on their passion in other to please their parents.

3. Get a Mentor/Accountability Friend: Self-discovery is a journey, and you need a mentor to go far, someone who has gone ahead of you, has experiences, and sees farther than you do, who will be accountable to you and your growth.

Why You Need a Mentor

• Guided Reflection: A mentor can help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and guide you in reflecting on your values, passions, and strengths.

• New Perspectives: A mentor can offer fresh insights and perspectives, helping you see yourself and your life from different angles.

• Accountability: A mentor can provide a safe and supportive space to share your goals and aspirations, and help you stay accountable to yourself.
• Personalized Guidance: A mentor can tailor their guidance to your unique needs, interests and goals.
• Support and encouragement: A mentor can offer emotional support and encouragement, helping you stay motivated and confident on your self-discovery journey.

Conclusion

Self-discovery is a powerful journey that can help you uncover your true self and live a life that's authentic and meaningful. By searching the scriptures, reflecting on your values and passions, and getting a mentor or accountability friend, you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

So, take the first step today. Start your journey of self-discovery, and uncover the incredible person you were created to be.

Share Your Thoughts

What does self-discovery mean to you? How have you practiced self-discovery in your own life? What limitation did you experience on the journey to self-discovery? Share your thoughts, takeaways and insights in the comments below.

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