Really Get to Know Yourself

Throughout my life, I have continuously heard the phrase, "If only I had known then what I know now, I would have..." I always wondered what those things would be in my life. As I sit here in my 51-year-old (young) body, I realize that, for me, many of these things came to me through my life experiences of adversity, loss and heartache. It is amazing what we can learn when we have hit the bottom and are forced to make changes.

I believe everyone's own life is their best teacher, but hopefully in my sharing some of what I have learned through my life lessons, I will give others something that might resonate and make their life a little easier.

As women, we tend to be givers.We wear many hats and try to be everything for everyone. We make sure our kids are on the right track and have everything they need to keep them happy and successful including with school, friends and the numerous sports and extracurricular activities of their choosing. We can't stand the thought of them having to miss out on anything, so we do whatever it takes to keep them in their "A" game.

We make sure we make time for our husbands and their needs as well as our social obligations as a couple. We deal with the mundane issues of the house, cooking, laundry, paying bills, etc. If this isn't enough, some of us work outside the house, as well, and deal with the pressure of corporate America and a whole other group of people and pressures!

Even if we have reached the master level with our juggling skills, at some point, we learn we have forgotten one very important person - OURSELVES. This will often happen around the time our kids leave for college or venture out on their own or during other transitions such as a divorce or the loss of a loved one. If we have not taken the time to get to know ourselves, our passions, and our purpose in the preceding years, we wake up and realize we don't know who we really are and what makes us tick as individuals.

Everyone has their own innate passions and their own purpose in life. Some people are fortunate enough to have this in the forefront of their being and live it on a daily basis, but for many women, who have put their loved ones and their obligations in front of themselves year after year, this can truly be a struggle. If you are one of these people, now is your time.


Spend some daily alone time in a quiet setting in a relaxed position with the intention of connecting to your inner self. Concentrate on your breathing and listen to your inner guidance. (If you find this hard to do because you are used to being in constant motion, start with just a couple of minutes a day and increase with your comfort level).
Keep a record of what you LOVE to do that puts a smile on your face.
Make a list of activities and/or projects you have enjoyed.
Jot down activities that you always wanted to try but never quite found the time.
Create a list of your talents.
Write down how you would like to grow as a person.

These are a few suggestions to reacquaint you with yourself. This is really just the tip of the iceberg, but I promise, it will be well worth your time. After all, you are an AMAZING person, and there is no one more special! Celebrate YOU and live in your joy!

Leslie Brice is a certified Life Coach and owner of Pathway to Passion and Purpose who specializes in working with women who are going through a life transition by supporting and empowering them to move in a positive, forward direction through realization of their passions, purpose and infinite potential.