Finding the “Real You” Again
In 2012, we live in an era that allows one to literally run a business from the palm of your hand. We prefer our phone’s mapping technology to the paperbound maps. Facebook is how we learned about the Egyptian revolution and how we keep current with friends. Twitter has taught us how to speak in a horrible slang yet keep trending topics alive like #FreeSyria. The Instagram generation takes photos that are grainy and retro-looking, making all other photos void of character. I’m still trying to figure texting etiquette; for instance, is it considered ‘going AWOL’ to leave a text mid-conversation, or is that just how people converse, one text at a time throughout the day or days? While there are arguably conveniences and benefits to be dialed into technology 24/7 (considering we have friends across the world), it is too easy to become susceptible and enslaved to the concept of instant gratification. We slowly run the risk of losing our real selves. There are stories of people who use fake identities for their social media accounts, and while this may be acceptable to protect one’s true identity, the risks outweigh the benefits. When the real and fake selves slowly merge unknowingly, how do you become connected back to the ‘real you’?
Choose to use positive self -talk. We all find things we dislike about ourselves, but the trick is to learn how to turn that negative into something positive. If we don’t love ourselves for who we are, how can we expect others to love us as we are?
Confide in a friend, vent, and reach out. Don’t fight the superhuman complex that can be damaging. No one can do everything all the time. Chances are, if your 7 year old is driving you crazy, or if your best friend rubbed you the wrong way, there are others who are feeling the same way and can empathize with you. Our society and our culture have created a fake facade that we have to be perfect and happy all the time. It is not possible and it is not real.
Write every day. Taking a pen to paper is not only cathartic, but helps you come to terms with your emotions as you re-live through your daily actions and experiences. It will help you come closer to recognizing the real you. It also serves as a welcome break away from the screen.
Be authentic . You don’t have to wear your feelings on your sleeve at all times, but be honest about your feelings and don’t deny them. It is a completely separate skill to recognize your feelings and learn how to separate them from the experience itself. Don’t walk away from a meeting wishing you had said something but you didn’t for whatever reason(s). Arrive at a gathering knowing your boundaries; if certain people bring toxic and draining energy into your life – stay away!
Author your own life . You are the creator of your own life story – how do you want to write it? What do you want to be remembered for?
