A Self Discovery Guide To Finding Happiness
From the time we were young, we’ve all been asked the same question “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. Those who are able to answer grow up and achieve their goals while others are left with a sense of emptiness because they simply don't know. Too often, we sometimes find ourselves moving through life not knowing our purpose. We follow the guidelines that have been set for us and do what is expected such as graduate from school, get a good job, start a family and buy a home.
Having a successful career, a healthy loving relationship, being surrounded by friends and family who love you and having financial stability is the ideal recipe for the perfect life. It’s both challenging and rewarding and although you’ve been able to achieve all of those goals, you may still have a lingering sense that something is missing.
Discovering your purpose and finding where you fit-in in life is a process and not something that just happens over night. Igniting the passion that drives you will take dedication, self-reflection and the ability to listen to your mind, body and soul. Take these next steps to start the process of living a more purposeful life.
List Your Passions
Think back to when you were a kid. Recall those moments when you became excited when new ideas and activities popped into your head and you would put your all into it. Getting lost in playing dress up, losing track of time because you were so focused on creating an art masterpiece or starting a lemonade stand because you wanted to earn your own money. As you get older, those things you used to do start to dwindle and your priorities begin to change. You no longer have time to do the activities that once bought you so much joy.
Take a little time out of your day and make a list of all the things that bring you the most pleasure. Think about what it is that excites you. Look back and remember all the things that got the fire burning inside and made you feel alive. Once you’ve created your list, time to take action.
Acknowledge Your Talents
Your talent is a part of what makes you who you are. It’s a special gift that sets you apart from everyone else. Whether your talent is singing, writing, drawing or playing a sport, when you are in your zone it's satisfying knowing that you are doing the thing you love the most. By showing your talent, you are expressing to others “this is who I am”.
Expressing yourself allows you to connect with other like minded people and can possibly inspire them to pursue their passions as well. You don’t have to limit yourself to one talent or one thing you’re passionate about. Your creativity and imagination are limitless.
Explore And Discover
Not sure about what gets you excited? That’s okay. Now is your opportunity to try new activities. Ask yourself, “What are some things I’ve always wanted to do but been too afraid or didn’t have time to do?”. Consider taking a dance class or a pottery class. Like cooking and baking but not necessarily the best and don't have the money to pay for a class? There are plenty of free videos online that’ll teach you how to become the best cook you could possibly be. The opportunity to explore new interests has no limit. Make time to do all the things you’ve been curious about. Awaken all of your curiosities and discover a new purpose and passion for life. If you do not succeed at the new things you’ve tried, try something else.
By pursuing your passions or exploring and discovering new ones, you are allowing yourself to look deeper into finding your happiness. Not sure where to start? You can start by talking to a friend or a mental health professional. Seeking help from a mental health professional will help give you guidance and advice on how to unlock the passions inside of you.
Here at KQH Mental Health Counseling, we can help get you started on your journey. Contact us today! Looking for more helpful information. Check out and sign up for our newsletter and journal prompts.