Life isn't about finding yourself. You're not lost, you are already "here". Let me explain. Have you been searching for something your whole life? Not sure exactly what it is or where to find it? Guess what, it's already here. Dig deep. Inside of yourself, there it is, the light. See the light that's already shining within you. It's been there all along but perhaps it's gotten a little (or alot) cloudier over the years.

Let's go waaaay back (for some of us) into your lifetime. I hope you have some fond memories as a joyful child. That child is still you! You're just a more grown-up version now. Likely you've added a few scars over the years, but that doesn't mean that this happy-go-lucky child is lost forever.

Sometimes it may not seem like the sense of joy you experienced is still there, because you've added layer upon layer of baggage, guilt, worrying, ruminating, etc etc. But think about it...you are still you no matter how you slice it or dice it. You are still that joyful child underneath (albeit with a few added layers of stuff).

I don't know about you, but I always feel better knowing that I'm still that joyful person deep inside. The you you're searching for isn't somewhere "out there". Now that's not to say you shouldn't get out there and learn, grow, connect, etc. But you can stop the search party looking for who you are, it's not a mystery and you aren't lost! Dig deep. It really is there. The light still shines within you, even if it's flickering a bit lately.

So...dust off that light. Start to look within in order to reach your goals and realize your dreams! You are you and please don't forget that. Don't listen to the naysayers or negative nelly's telling you to be someone or something that you are not. Tune them out and be who you are. You have everything you need to create the life you dream of. Take baby steps if you need to, and actually I recommend these small steps. Or if you prefer, take massive action (this works better for some people).

Now if you don't like who you are, that's another story. Take the steps necessary to change this if desired. It's a choice. Choose wisely. To help with some aspects of this, stay tuned for future posts on joy, happiness, mindfulness, motivation, and resilience.

Now go live your best life. Take the first step. Just do it!

Kevin