How people can "lose themselves" and what to do about it.
We can "lose ourselves" when we prioritize the needs and desires of others over our own, neglect self-care, become overly focused on external validation, experience significant life changes without proper processing, or are deeply immersed in stressful situations that deplete our energy, leading to a disconnect from our true identity; to resolve this, focus on self-reflection, reconnect with your passions, set healthy boundaries, practice self-care, and seek support from loved ones or a therapist, if needed.
Key ways we can "lose ourselves":
People-pleasing: Constantly trying to please others at the expense of our own needs and desires.
Lack of self-awareness: Not taking time to understand our own values, goals, and emotions.
Burnout: Overexerting ourselves in work, relationships, or other areas of life without sufficient rest.
Unhealthy relationships: Being in relationships where we feel pressured to conform or are not treated with respect. God did not make us to be controlled or a slave to anyone. Those are toxic relationships which one needs to resolve or get out. Love and respect yourself enough not to put up with that nonsense.
Social pressure: Conforming to societal expectations or standards that don't align with our true self.
Trauma: Experiencing a traumatic event that significantly impacts our sense of self.
Neglecting hobbies and passions: Not engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.
How to "find yourself" again:
Self-reflection: Journaling, meditation, or simply taking time to contemplate your thoughts and feelings to identify areas where you might be compromising yourself.
Identify core values: Understand what truly matters to you and guide your decisions based on those values.
Set boundaries!!: Learn to say no and prioritize your own needs in relationships. Don't beat yourself up for giving in. Instead, change your mind and you will change your life. When you know better, you do better. Don't repeat your mistakes because if they didn't work the first time, they are not going to work the second time. Life tells us and gives us warnings about what things we need to change so we can be happy in life, as the Lord intended. If you love yourself, you will take care of yourself and not let anyone cross your boundaries. Don't be too trusting. You teach people how you want to be treated.
Practice self-care: Prioritize activities that nourish your physical and mental well-being like exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques.
Reconnect with passions: Reengage in activities that bring you joy and a sense of purpose.
Seek professional help: If you are struggling to navigate complex emotions or situations, consider therapy to gain insights and develop coping mechanisms.
A good Bible verse to remind us not to allow others to abuse us, is 2 Corinthians 11:19-21, which says, "For you, being so wise, gladly tolerate and accept the foolish! For you tolerate it, if anyone makes you his slave; or devours you and your possessions; or takes advantage of you; or acts presumptuously; or hits you in the face.".
Key points from this verse:
Setting boundaries:
Encourages people to not let others take advantage of them or treat them poorly, even if it means setting boundaries and not allowing themselves to be "slaves" to abusive behavior.
Recognizing manipulation:
The verse highlights the potential for others to "devour" or "take advantage" of someone, which can be a sign of manipulative or abusive behavior.
Self-respect:
By not tolerating abuse, you are respecting yourself and your own well-being.
Proverbs 13:20:
"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
Proverbs 22:24-25:
"Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared."
Matthew 7:12:
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
Important to remember:
While the Bible encourages forgiveness and loving your enemies, it does not condone allowing yourself to be abused. We can forgive so we don't carry hatred in our hearts, but that doesn't mean we are to continue to keep company with abusers! We don't even allow our friends to treat us this way, so why would we allow someone to abuse us this way? This is not loving yourself.
If you are experiencing abuse, it is crucial to seek help from trusted individuals, support groups, or professional counseling alongside relying on scripture for guidance.
Key ways we can "lose ourselves":
People-pleasing: Constantly trying to please others at the expense of our own needs and desires.
Lack of self-awareness: Not taking time to understand our own values, goals, and emotions.
Burnout: Overexerting ourselves in work, relationships, or other areas of life without sufficient rest.
Unhealthy relationships: Being in relationships where we feel pressured to conform or are not treated with respect. God did not make us to be controlled or a slave to anyone. Those are toxic relationships which one needs to resolve or get out. Love and respect yourself enough not to put up with that nonsense.
Social pressure: Conforming to societal expectations or standards that don't align with our true self.
Trauma: Experiencing a traumatic event that significantly impacts our sense of self.
Neglecting hobbies and passions: Not engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.
How to "find yourself" again:
Self-reflection: Journaling, meditation, or simply taking time to contemplate your thoughts and feelings to identify areas where you might be compromising yourself.
Identify core values: Understand what truly matters to you and guide your decisions based on those values.
Set boundaries!!: Learn to say no and prioritize your own needs in relationships. Don't beat yourself up for giving in. Instead, change your mind and you will change your life. When you know better, you do better. Don't repeat your mistakes because if they didn't work the first time, they are not going to work the second time. Life tells us and gives us warnings about what things we need to change so we can be happy in life, as the Lord intended. If you love yourself, you will take care of yourself and not let anyone cross your boundaries. Don't be too trusting. You teach people how you want to be treated.
Practice self-care: Prioritize activities that nourish your physical and mental well-being like exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques.
Reconnect with passions: Reengage in activities that bring you joy and a sense of purpose.
Seek professional help: If you are struggling to navigate complex emotions or situations, consider therapy to gain insights and develop coping mechanisms.
A good Bible verse to remind us not to allow others to abuse us, is 2 Corinthians 11:19-21, which says, "For you, being so wise, gladly tolerate and accept the foolish! For you tolerate it, if anyone makes you his slave; or devours you and your possessions; or takes advantage of you; or acts presumptuously; or hits you in the face.".
Key points from this verse:
Setting boundaries:
Encourages people to not let others take advantage of them or treat them poorly, even if it means setting boundaries and not allowing themselves to be "slaves" to abusive behavior.
Recognizing manipulation:
The verse highlights the potential for others to "devour" or "take advantage" of someone, which can be a sign of manipulative or abusive behavior.
Self-respect:
By not tolerating abuse, you are respecting yourself and your own well-being.
Proverbs 13:20:
"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
Proverbs 22:24-25:
"Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared."
Matthew 7:12:
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
Important to remember:
While the Bible encourages forgiveness and loving your enemies, it does not condone allowing yourself to be abused. We can forgive so we don't carry hatred in our hearts, but that doesn't mean we are to continue to keep company with abusers! We don't even allow our friends to treat us this way, so why would we allow someone to abuse us this way? This is not loving yourself.
If you are experiencing abuse, it is crucial to seek help from trusted individuals, support groups, or professional counseling alongside relying on scripture for guidance.
