Do you remember the last time when you laughed heartily, when you rolled on the floor laughing, when you stretched out your arms to embrace the cool and fresh breeze? Do you remember when you chuckled and cackled over some silly deed of yours, do you remember the last time when you felt the hugs of your loved ones, heard and got mesmerized by the distant chirping birds – ringing bells, when was the last time when you got awe-struck by the beauty of nature around you… Like you I am also trying to remember, when was the last time I experienced all such beautiful moments in my life.

In the midst of our fast – paced life, long jumps of fast-track competitions, commitments and responsibilities towards our roles / responsibilities / relationships, and in the efforts for living for everyone everywhere… Have you felt that you are “missing yourself”? Sometimes some question strikes that who am I, what is my purpose of being sent on this Earth, have I forgotten myself in the rat-race of living life, where I am standing today is that the place I was longing for, am I true to myself??? Like these many such thoughts make me think that we all should try to take out some “me time” from our fast-paced lives and start “the journey within”.

If you know yourself, your strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, values, philosophies, potentialities;  your entire being as a whole, then you will be a boon for yourself and the entire world revolving around you. Knowing thyself is an art and it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Everyone can do this undoubtedly, but sadly they don’t give a thought towards this. Knowing yourself will help you in your overall physical health, mental well-being, meaningful social behaviour, and worthwhile deeds for your all-round development. Once you know yourself, you can know who you are, where you are, what you can do and what you can become.

Many a times we get stuck in the whirlwind of our lives. We struggle hard to get off it. We can handle some situations very easily while some situations just rip us apart. Do you know why this happens? Of course some may be thinking it is because of “that person, or that incident”. You are right, folks. But, this is just one part of the story. It’s because we haven’t looked into our own cocoons yet. And this leads to a half-baked perspective and increased suffering. Remember that; “No one or nothing can harm us until we allow them to”. So it all depends on our mindsets. Almost everyone reading this post of mine must know the “Optimism – Pessimism” story in which a glass is half-filled with water and we are asked to say whether it’s half-filled or half-empty. But, have you thought beyond that? Guys, at least you have that glass with you! Many people are not lucky enough to have that too! You may be having something less or something more in your life… but, in someone’s life in some corner of the world; that “something” itself is missing.

Therefore, love yourself, take some time out and live for you… For all these you should know about yourself. Many people come and ask me; How can I live for myself? Well, here are some ideas that you can implement to explore the magic within yourself:

  • Take out some time, at least 10-15 minutes each day when you are with yourself and no one else is there.
  • Meditating about yourself and your life will help a lot.
  • Diary-writing is also a method that you can use. The writings should be based on: what you are, what you wanted to be, your achievements, mistakes, learnings and planning for “tomorrow”.
  • Look into the mirror after you get up, self-affirm about yourself and pamper yourself with good, motivating self-suggestions.
  • We write letters, fax, emails etc. to others on a daily basis… How about writing a letter to yourself today?
  • When you get negative thoughts about yourself, don’t avoid them. Just let them flow out, let them vent out…. Because only when you know your weaknesses, you can work on them and transform them into your strengths.
  • A walk in the fresh air, spending time with your loved ones… All these will also give you an idea of what you are and what you can become.
  • Never ever underestimate yourself. Do not compare yourself with others. By doing this you are criticizing your existence on this world. You are the most precious creation in this entire universe and no one can take you place in any way.
  • Love yourself as your first love, tame yourself as your fiercest mentor, pamper yourself as your best well-wisher…and try to be the one you once wanted to be.
  • Do not be harsh on yourself if you feel that you are not able to know yourself or be what you wanted. Just take baby steps ahead. Slowly and gradually things will settle down and sink in.
  • “Every wish wished for a good purpose, every deed done for a good purpose will surely be answered”. If not today, then one fine day it will surely be. Just hang on to your faith and trust. Never ever let it break.

Explore the magic within yourself is significant because it will help you to help yourself and others too. It will keep you more physically healthy, mentally stable, and emotionally strong. It will help you to deal with every situation of your life with greater efficacy. So next time you get some free time, grab it and spend it for yourself. It’s not a selfish deed at all. It is a giant leap towards self-knowledge, self-refinement and self-development that will ultimately lead to the knowledge, refinement and development of one and all around you.

“Your life is beautiful and life is fair; It just needs a chance and not despair”.

Best Wishes,

Sareeta