Written by: Ellen Kocher, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
When we look in the mirror, we don’t only see the outside image. If we dare, we see our inner reflection too and the quieter summertime is the perfect opportunity to do just that.
If we look in the mirror and reflect long enough, we can discover our “truths.” That is those beliefs, understandings, or perspectives that we hold as true based on our experiences, values, and convictions. Our personal truths are deeply rooted in our own perception of reality, shaped by our unique background, emotions, and personal growth.
When we dare to look in the mirror and identify our personal truths, they can serve as guiding principles for personal development. Our truths can help us to live in alignment with our authentic selves, daring to choose how we want to show up to the world, today.
Identifying personal truths is an ongoing process that evolves over time and throughout the years, our mirror image changes. That’s a good thing because It means that we are growing and evolving.
What better time to dare to look in the mirror for some self-reflection than the summertime? Let’s discover How and Where…
Here’s how…
Dare to start with self-reflection by setting aside some dedicated time and space where you can contemplate your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Ask yourself open-ended questions such as "What do I truly believe?", "What brings me happiness?", and "What matters most to me today?" Explore these questions without judgment and allow yourself to delve deep into your inner thoughts and emotions.
Dare to reflect on your core values, the principles and beliefs that guide your behavior and decisions. What do you value in relationships, work, ethics, and personal growth today? Consider what values are truly important to you and how they influence your choices. Aligning with your core values often leads to a greater sense of fulfillment and authenticity.
Dare to pay attention to emotions and intuition which can provide valuable clues about your personal truths. Notice how you feel in different situations or when making certain choices. Do you experience joy, excitement, or peace when engaging in certain activities or interests? Trust your intuition and listen to the messages your emotions convey.
Dare to pay attention to moments of flow. Activities or tasks where you experience a state of flow — being fully immersed, energized, and engaged — often indicate alignment with personal truths. Reflect on which activities or pursuits make you lose track of time and feel a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Dare to ask for feedback by engaging in open and honest conversations with people you trust. Seek outside perspective on your strengths, values, and areas of authenticity others observe in you. This external feedback can provide valuable insights into your personal truths. Additionally, practice introspection by journaling your thoughts and reflections. Try to identify patterns, recurring themes, and underlying beliefs.
Dare to explore new passions and interests by trying activities, hobbies, and pursuits that genuinely interest you. Pay attention to the activities that ignite your curiosity, bring you joy, and align with your sense of purpose. These explorations can reveal important aspects of your (maybe new) personal truths.
Dare to embrace vulnerability by exploring and accepting your authentic self, even if it means challenging norms or expectations. Embrace your uniqueness and be open to expressing your true thoughts, feelings, and desires without fear of judgment.
Here’s where…
Now that you’ve dared to look in the mirror, here are 8 areas where you might dare to contemplate your truths this summer…
Your daily routine.How aligned are you feeling with how purposeful and productive your days are? Dare to use the summer break to create a routine that includes time for exercise, reading, learning, and pursuing your passions… and then, dare to integrate into your life far beyond the summer…
Your nutrition and eating habits. How aligned do you feel about how you want to eat and how you actually eat? Dare to try new foods, ways of eating, or drinking to see what changes...
Your body and physical exercise. Feeling good about your body boosts mental well-being, mood, and likely your physical health too. Dare to use the slower summer months as an opportunity to align with the physical activities that best serve you now…
Your relationships. Building and maintaining meaningful connections is essential for overall well-being. Dare to use the break to question your relationships and choose those that most align with your truth today…
Your self-care.Summer is the ideal time to prioritize self-care by engaging in activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Dare to try something new like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or any other self-care techniques that resonate with your truth…
Your mid-year review. Setting goals provides direction and motivation toward personal growth and success. Dare to take time to reflect on your achievements and experiences from the past 6 months and set goals that meet with your current truth for the remainder of 2023...
Your tech-life balance. Disconnecting from and managing technology can help you recharge, enhance creativity, and develop better focus. Dare to reduce your screen and phone time to see how it changes any of the above...
Your contribution to the world. Contributions can be incredibly rewarding and provide a fresh perspective on life while serving others. Dare to discover what contributions align with your truth… where you can volunteer, work or offer your time or skills.
The slower summer months are an ideal time to relax and recharge, striking a balance between pursuing positive change and enjoying leisure activities. Be patient with yourself to allow space for growth and self-discovery. Daring to look in the mirror can help you gain deeper insights into your personal truths and lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life and now is a great time to start!
Ellen Kocher, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Ellen Kocher is an Economist and Certified Workplace Wellness Consultant who holds a master’s degree in Health & Wellness Coaching. Following 10 years as an Executive in Finance, Ellen made some major lifestyles change and has dedicated the past 20+ years to walking her talk through workplace wellbeing, promoting a holistic approach to eating, physical activity, health, resilience, and self-care. Ellen has coached hundreds of individuals and groups in dozens of organizations to make sustainable lifestyle changes empowering them to go from knowing what to do to actually doing it! Most recently Ellen’s work focuses on the 50+ demographic.
