Are You Living… or Just Existing?
Have you ever felt like you’re standing behind a glass wall, watching your life move forward while you stay stuck? As if you’re going through the motions of life, playing a role rather than truly living? Maybe you envision a life far greater than your current one. A life that feels inconsistent with where you’re at. A life that feels unattainable.
Physically, you’re here. You go to work, come home. Perhaps you’re successful and productive. You may engage in exercise, hang out with friends, and make time for hobbies. And yet, all the while, something feels “off.” Something is missing.
You’re not wrong. Something is missing.
Life continues to move forward, as it always does. Some days you’re coasting, others you’re searching for the next thing to give you that dopamine boost. You’re looking for anything to shake the emptiness you feel. Maybe it’s a new hobby, side business, or pursuit of another academic degree or professional certificate.
With each new endeavor, you think, “This will be it.” But it’s not, and it never will be.
Days turn into weeks, weeks into months. You wake up, check the clock, climb out of bed, and wonder, “There has to be more to life than this.”
And still, nothing is obviously “wrong.” By all accounts, your life is pretty good. You have a decent job, a nice home, supportive friends, maybe even a loving partner. But there’s that persistently gnawing in your gut, a quiet voice whispering that there’s more. You can sense there’s something within you that remains unexplored, unseen, and unheard.
Why Life Feels “Off” Even When Things Look Good
That disconnection you feel? It’s not an illness. It’s not a failure. It’s a signal — a message from your inner self that something important is out of sync.
It’s your intuition telling you that you’ve lost touch with your true self, your values, or your deeper purpose. This feeling is your inner compass nudging you to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters to you.
Instead of ignoring it or trying to push through, listen to this signal. It’s the first step toward reconnecting with the life you’re meant to live.
What Is Disconnectedness Really Telling You?
First off, if you sense disconnectedness, celebrate this. The first step is acknowledging it’s there. If you don’t know there’s a problem, you can’t fix it.
Many people feel disconnected but don’t have the emotional intelligence or awareness to even recognize it. This detachment from purpose, passion, and your true self is common today. Often, it’s mislabeled as depression, anxiety, or burnout. But at its core, disconnectedness comes from losing touch with who you really are.
Rather than fighting this feeling, lean into it. What if it’s your soul nudging you to make changes and come back to yourself?
Understanding the True Self vs. False Self
We all carry two parts within us: the True Self and the False Self. Your True Self is your authentic, spontaneous core—the real you beneath all the masks. It expresses your genuine feelings, values, and passions, leading to a life filled with joy and peace.
In contrast, the False Self is a protective mask you wear to fit in and avoid rejection. It hides your true feelings, seeks approval from others, and conforms to expectations, but ultimately causes disconnection and emptiness.
Recognizing this difference is the first step toward reconnecting with your True Self and living a more fulfilling, authentic life.
Invitation to Reconnect with Yourself
So, you recognize discomfort and disconnectedness. Great. This is your chance to look inward — to rediscover who you are beneath layers of fear, expectation, routine, and distraction.
Self-connection is the foundation of a meaningful life. It means being aware of, accepting, and aligning with yourself.
Ask: Who are you at your core?
Self-connection isn’t just mindfulness or observation. It means taking action based on what you learn about yourself.
Mindfulness helps reduce stress and bring clarity by letting your feelings be heard, not silenced. It’s a vital part of this journey.
Rediscover Your True Self
Psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott described the “True Self” as our authentic, spontaneous way of being. The “False Self” is the mask we wear to fit in.
That mask helped us survive once but now holds us back.
The false self seeks approval, avoids conflict, and shapes itself around others’ expectations. It protects us from rejection but also keeps us from joy, peace, and authenticity.
Reconnecting with your true self brings freedom. You’ll trust your choices more and your life will feel more vibrant.
What Happens When You Reconnect?
Imagine waking up energized, excited, and happy in the present moment. Your daily choices reflect who you really are, and you’re proud to show up as yourself.
When you reconnect, you’ll:
- Feel proud of yourself without needing others’ validation
- Trust your decisions with less doubt and regret
- Experience deeper relationships by showing your full self
- Radiate quiet confidence that draws people in
- Feel lasting joy from within, not just fleeting happiness
How to Start: 4 Simple Practices
Finding yourself isn’t instant, but it’s possible. The life you want is real — waiting on the other side of self-discovery.
Start with these four simple habits:
1. Journal Daily
Write freely about whatever feels authentic. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Journaling lets you see your thoughts clearly and understand your values and beliefs better over time.
2. Check In With Yourself
Pause daily and ask: “How am I feeling? What do I need today? What’s going on inside me?” Listen without judgment.
3. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential, not optional. It means setting boundaries, resting when tired, choosing nourishing food, and protecting your peace.
4. Embrace Creativity
Explore a creative outlet that feels good — painting, cooking, gardening, writing, or anything that sparks curiosity and joy. Creativity helps you connect with your true self.
Final Thoughts
The journey to your true self isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.
You don’t need permission or to hit rock bottom. Start now by listening to yourself, trusting your wisdom, and acting from your core.
Your most joyful, clear, and connected life isn’t a fantasy. It begins the moment you stop running from discomfort and ask, “What is this feeling trying to teach me?”
Let your life reflect your true self — not a performance, but a powerful, present, and purpose-filled existence.
You’re not lost. You’re on your way home to yourself.