Let's imagine that life is not only a colorful side, but sometimes quite ordinary and everyday. Sometimes it seems that everything goes by inertia: work, home, business, expectations of others .... But what do I really want? How to understand where to go and what makes me happy? These questions have come to me more than once, and to be honest, I didn't find the answers right away. But over time, I've noticed a few things that help me look inside myself.

1. Stop and hear yourself

It seems like we're always busy doing something - even when we're relaxing, flipping through social media, or watching a TV show. But when was the last time I just stopped and listened to myself? Turned off the music, put my phone away, and just listened to my thoughts. At first it's even scary: there's anxiety, clutter in your head. But then suddenly important things start to come to me. For example, I realized that I have long wanted to change jobs, but was afraid to admit it to myself.

2. Recall what was joyful in childhood

Childhood is a time when we don't yet think about “making the right choice” or adjusting expectations. I remembered that I once loved to draw, but abandoned it because of “serious” things to do. Maybe we shouldn't forget the things that once filled us with joy. Sometimes the answers lie in the past.

3. Imagine that there are no “have to's”

Often desires are confused with obligations. We say “I want to earn more,” but really it's societal pressure. What if I imagine that I could choose to do anything, what would I do? If the answer is something completely different, then it's time to wonder if I'm really living the life I want.

4. Try new things

Figuring out what you want is difficult if you don't give yourself the opportunity to experiment. When I felt stuck, I just tried new things: I signed up for a dance class, went on a photo walk, even tried writing short stories. Most of it didn't work for me, but some things resonated - and that was an important step.

5. Stop being afraid to be wrong

Sometimes we don't hear our desires because we're afraid of making the wrong choice. It helped me to realize: I can always change my mind. If something isn't my thing, it's not a failure, it's an experience. The main thing is not to stand still.

What's next?

I won't say I've found all the answers, but at least now I listen to myself. It's not always easy, but there's magic in it - to start realizing who you are and what you really want. What helps you to understand your thoughts and feelings?

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)