Rediscovering Yourself: Who Were You Before the World Told You Who to Be?

Can you remember who you were, before the world told you who you should be?" — Charles Bukowski

This quote hits home, doesn't it? It's a question that cuts straight to the heart of things. Who were you before the world stepped in with all its expectations and opinions? Before you were told to act a certain way, follow a certain path, or be a certain person? It's something we don't often stop to think about, but maybe we should.

The Weight of Expectations

From a young age, we're shaped by the world around us. Parents, teachers, friends, and society all seem to have a say in who we should be. Get good grades. Pick a sensible career. Be strong. Don't show weakness. Act like a man. The list goes on.

Slowly, bit by bit, we take on these expectations. Sometimes, we do it without even realizing. We put on masks to fit in, to avoid disappointing others, or to avoid standing out. We become who we think we should be rather than who we truly are.

And here's the thing: it's exhausting. Pretending to be someone else takes a toll. Over time, we can lose touch with what we actually want, what makes us happy, and what gives our lives meaning.

Who Were You Before?

Think back. Before the pressure kicked in, what made you happy? What did you dream about? What did you love doing simply because it brought you joy? Maybe it was drawing, playing music, exploring nature, or just being curious about the world. Maybe it was a sense of freedom or confidence you felt before life told you to play it safe.

Those parts of you aren't gone. They might be buried under layers of responsibility, stress, and expectation, but they're still there. The question is, are you ready to reconnect with them?

Reconnecting with Your True Self

It's not always easy to peel back those layers. Sometimes we're so used to the roles we've been playing that we don't even know where to start. That's where therapy can come in. It's a space where you get to explore those questions without judgment. A place where you can be honest about who you are and who you want to be.

Therapy isn't about fixing you because you're not broken. It's about giving you the time and space to figure out what matters to you. It's about getting back in touch with the parts of yourself that got pushed aside.

You Are the Expert in Your Own Life

Nobody knows you better than you do. Sometimes, though, it takes stepping back and listening to yourself to remember that. Therapy can help you hear your own voice again, the one that got drowned out by everything else.

This isn't about tearing down the life you've built. It's about making sure that life includes you – the real you. The you that existed before the world told you who you should be.

Isn't It Worth Finding Out?

So here's the question: isn't it worth taking the time to find out who you truly are? To reconnect with what brings you joy, purpose, and peace?

Ah sure, look it – what have you got to lose? Maybe, just maybe, you'll rediscover the person you were always meant to be.

If this resonates with you and you're thinking about taking that step, therapy might be the space you need. A place to talk, reflect, and reconnect. Because at the end of the day, you are the expert in your own life – sometimes you just need the right space to remember that.