When people say " I need to find myself"... Do you ever find yourself?

I did for a while. It was nice and I was happy, but then I let someone in and they took advantage of that. While I was trying to make things work with this person, I began to realize I was losing bits and pieces of myself along the way. It will take some time but I know I will once again be able to be my true self and open up without the fear of being judged and the feelings of worthlessness.