25 Ways to Rediscover Yourself

In today’s fast-paced world, sometimes we get so stressed and worn thin that we don’t even feel like ourselves anymore. How can anyone expect to be “dating” while they are so wrapped up in deadlines and schedules? But have no fear, because there are little things that you can do to slow down, tune out, reorganize and find your center when things get a little too chaotic. It’s time to focus on you for a little bit before worrying about what other people think.

The Basics. Things you should know right here and now that may alter your perspective on yourself.

1. Reality check. Recognize the fact that celebrity bodies and Hollywood lifestyles are part of a superficial culture. A culture based on and populated by the best of the best in acting and role playing. Think about that for a second.
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3. Open your eyes. There are people all around you in countless shapes and sizes. Not everyone strives to imitate the lives we see on television. This is the alternate world to Hollywood life; the world populated by real people just being themselves.
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5. See your true reflection. Look into the mirror. Every human being is beautiful in their own way. It may sound like the type of cheesy line an elementary school teacher might use, but it’s true.
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7. Take a deep breath. Sometimes we become so wrapped up in the high-speed chaos of today’s society that we find we are being swept away by things that might be relatively trivial.
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9. Smile once in awhile. It sounds silly, but simply smiling brightens up the day and may even brighten someone else’s day as well.

Small Victories. Little things you can do to feel calm, collected, and capable, while giving yourself a break from the stress of everyday life.

1. Go for a walk. It sounds simple, but fresh air and a new environment can leave you feeling bright, fresh, and calm. Being outdoors can remind you of what is truly important in life.
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3. Escape your comfort zone. Take a risk. Get out of your “bubble” and do something different. It just might pay off.
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5. Get a pet. A furry friend is a constant companion to keep you grounded, and thrives on your love and attention. Don’t want the stress of care? Get a goldfish (just don’t try to cuddle with it…).
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7. Brighten someone else’s day. We all know how it feels to receive an unexpected compliment, or the way we want to smile back when someone we don’t know is smiling at us. Going out of your way to brighten someone else’s day may just boost your own.
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9. Read a novel. Authors have created brand new worlds through their writing, and those worlds are ready to be explored. Reading gives you not only a temporary reprieve from reality, but a sense of accomplishment when you look back across all of the pages you have conquered.
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11. Dance to your favorite song. That’s right, don’t be afraid to shake your booty to the tunes you know and love. After all, it’s exercise if nothing else. And if you’re feeling really ambitious, go ahead and sing along. You know all of the words anyway…
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13. Have a night in. Get out the favorite movies, invite over the friends, and break out the snacks for some good old-fashioned couch potato time.
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15. Re-vamp your look. Whether it’s a new purse for the ladies or a new haircut for the men, just this little change could put a spring in your step and renew your motivation to get things done.
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17. Plan a trip. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a tropical dream vacation, laying the framework for an escape from the ordinary gives you something to look forward to.
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19. Turn off the television. Between news reports or war and disease and the latest scandal in Hollywood, most current events are anything but helpful when you want to wind down after a long day. Give yourself a night off. CNN will still be there in the morning.
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21. Watch a favorite movie from childhood. It may sound corny, but watching old movies can bring back pleasant memories from the past, and help you to remember and reconnect with your true roots.
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23. Do something unexpected. Be quirky and offbeat for awhile. Wear sunglasses at night or glue $10 to the bottom of your shoe and count how many people try to pick it up. If nothing else, it’s worth a smile or two, and it’s a nice break from the norm.

Attraction is Mutual. If you have confidence in yourself, someone special just might notice.

1. Make eye contact. Looking people in the eye shows that you’re sure of yourself and that you’re fully involved in the conversation. It can also convey interest or attraction.
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3. Wear bright colors. When you go out and about, don’t be afraid to wear something that stands out a little bit. Not all attention is bad.
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5. Keep your chin up. Keep those eyes looking up. Counting the tiles on the floor or the cracks in the sidewalk won’t get you anywhere. The ground will stay beneath your feet even if you’re not looking at it.
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7. Break the mold. Do something different, whether it be mixing up your everyday style or testing out some new vocabulary. It’s okay to stand out and be noticed.
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9. Talk to someone new. Although we are not always comfortable going out of our way to talk to someone unfamiliar, it may be worth the risk. You could meet someone fantastic that you wouldn’t have known otherwise.
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11. Don’t listen to negativity. Got someone that seems to delight in picking you apart? Don’t let them get to you. If they are trying to tear you down all the time, they’re probably not worth listening to.
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13. Be yourself. No matter how you think people want you to act, be who you really are. If someone can’t accept that, it’s their own problem.
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15. Relax and be patient. The right person will come along eventually, and they will love you for who you are. No matter how stressed or worn thin you may feel now.