Have you ever been asked by someone to describe yourself and you’re not quite sure what to say? If you had to write a story about who you are, would you be able to write it with ease? It can be difficult to really define who we are and especially for those in addiction recovery. After all, we’ve most likely spent a great deal of time wearing masks and not being our authentic selves during our active addiction days.

It’s Not Always Easy to Define Ourselves

Yes, you want to know who you are, but if you’re struggling with your definition of yourself and not knowing exactly who you are right now, it’s alright. You take a deep breath and relax because you don’t have to have it all figured out.

It’s OK.

Maybe you look around and see others who seem to have it all together and know who they are, but if you’re not feeling a sense of your own individuality, it’s completely normal and fine. You’re being you and if that means being a bit unclear, so be it. It’s when you put on a mask and pretend that you are someone you are not that can get you into mental and emotional trouble.

Own What You Do Know

Let’s say you are in recovery and you know that you want to stay sober and clean. Great! Then own that part of you, as that is part of who you are. How about growth? Do you want to grow emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually? Great! Then that’s part of who you are too. You don’t have to have it all mapped out and have some detailed print of who you are.

You are learning.

This life journey is just that: a journey. Maybe who you were five years ago isn’t who you are today. That’s alright! You don’t have to be that person, as that was then and this is now. In fact, you can completely revamp who you are! Rediscover who you are at this moment in your life. Take time to try new things, walk a different path, and meet new people.

Embrace who you are right now. Really embrace you, however you choose to define yourself. This takes courage and vulnerability because some of us don’t really know for sure, but at least you are making progress and moving forward. For as long as you keep positive momentum going, you’re doing just fine. Be you by loving yourself right where you are.