Rediscovering yourself isn’t just about looking back at who you were before you started a family. It’s also about meeting yourself where you are now and uncovering what truly makes you…YOU. 

Think back. Over the years, you’ve probably worn many hats – mom, partner, friend, possibly a career outside the home. Chances are, that in the midst of that chaos, the things that made you, well, YOU, might have taken a back seat. Maybe it was something creative – like drawing or writing, or a form of exercise you loved – maybe hiking or swimming. Perhaps it was taking time to volunteer or with learning new skills. Start to embrace the freedom in this (usually) quieter season of life. As you’re stepping into this new phase of life, there’s room to reconnect to these interests — and explore new ones. 

How to Begin to Rediscover Yourself: 

1. Reflect on the past: 

Start with a simple reflection. What activities and hobbies brought you joy before the hustle and bustle took over? Was it painting, writing, dancing, reading, 

2. Explore New Things:

Curiosity is part of growth at any age. Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn or try but never had time for? Now is the perfect moment to enroll in that workshop, join a local group, or simply start experimenting on your own. Try to explore with a positive spin on “what if?.” For example, “What if I learned Italian….explored photography…. started gardening?”

3. Set Small, Achievable Goals:

The idea isn’t to leap into a new passion or interest at full speed, but to explore gently and gradually. Set small, achievable goals that encourage regular engagement without the pressure of perfection. Remember, the goal is exploration and enjoyment. 

4. Connect with Like-Minded People:

Sharing your journey with people with similar interests can help you learn and grow from one another. Look for communities – either local or online – where people share your interests. Sharing experiences, challenges, and achievements with others can be incredibly rewarding and inspiring. 

5. Look to Meet People Who Are Different Than You:

While connecting with like-minded people can provide a sense of validation, support, and shared experiences, meeting people who are different from you is equally important for personal growth and evolution. Interacting with people who have diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences challenges our old ways of thinking, expands our horizons, and encourages us to question old beliefs and opinions. This can help you enrich your life with new insights, ideas, and possibilities.

Most important, embrace the process! Rediscovering yourself is not a destination – it’s a journey – one that’s uniquely about YOU. It’s about allowing yourself to be a beginner, to make mistakes and to step into the process of learning and growing. Every step you take is a testament to your resilience and willingness to explore the possibilities in your life. 

Let this be the day you begin to look back into yourself, one step at a time. The adventure of rediscovery can help you find new passions, new joys, and a renewed sense of who you are.