Unboxing Identity is the fifth blog post in my series, Unboxing Women. This series is a gentle invitation for women to break out of the labels that seek to define us, offering new expansiveness on our paths to self-growth and healing. My hope is that you’ll follow along and try out these practices, which will gently challenge you to level up and free yourself from the boxes that cage you.
Casting Labels Aside
Are you a wife? Mother? Businesswoman? Friend? Caregiver? Leader?
You could very well be all of those and more. These roles are beautiful, but they are not your identity.
Your identity is the essence of you when all the titles are stripped away.
You deserve time to explore who you are, not just who you serve.
In this case, maybe you are trying to fit into too many boxes? Or all of those roles have been forced upon you? Maybe they do not fit for one reason or another.
Have you been wearing too many hats or staying in a role that doesn’t suit you? Or maybe you need to change something and level up?
Your sense of who you are may evolve. And that is allowed.
Unboxing Identity
- Create a pie chart of your identity. What slices make up who you are (e.g., roles, values, dreams, quirks)?
- Is there a slice you realize is too big? Too small?
- Ask three people you trust: “What’s one thing you admire about me that I might not realize?”
- If you agree with them and it’s not already in your chart, add it in.
- Consider how the slices of your pie align with who you thought you were.
Unboxing Identity Journal Prompts
- Who am I when no one else is watching?
- What parts of my identity have I outgrown – and which ones do I want to grow into?
- If I did not feel judged by society I would really like to…
- One step I can commit to to become the next version of myself is…
Self-Care Practices After Journaling
Journaling can bring up sensations and emotions, often long-buried. It’s important to give yourself a little space to process, particularly if the practice stirred up some big, difficult feelings.
After journaling, build in time for something that truly soothes you, such as:
- Guided relaxation in a dark, quiet place
- Silent walk in nature (leave your ear buds at home)
- Yoga: any type
- Singing/vocalizing
- Cooking a meal
- Being with an animal
Next Time: Unboxing Success
When my next post is live, we will look at success – but not the type prescribed for us by society. You’ll redefine what success means to you. See you there!
Live 3-Month Group Coaching Program
If you’re interested in going deep with a healthy transformation, my flagship online coaching program Take Back Your Health is open to new participants.
