Are you finding it hard to recognize yourself? Maybe the person you convey to others is not who you want to be. Maybe it’s not who you feel you truly are deep down.

At many points in our development and life circumstances we may find ourselves questioning our identity. Is this who I really am? Who do I want to be for the rest of my life? Or maybe you’ve experienced a major life change that has shifted your perspective or behaviours.

Here are 7 examples of life changes that affect our identity:

1)     Moving away to school: I’m part of my family, but I’m becoming my own person.

2)     Getting married or starting a long-term relationship: I’m myself but now my identity, routines and behaviours are also linked to another person.

3)     Having a child: My whole life now centers around a small human. I don’t have time for things I used to enjoy.

4)     Receiving a diagnosis: All of my thoughts now center on my health.  I feel like my life dreams have been altered.

5)     Ending a relationship: This person was part of me and now I have to redefine myself.

6)     Death or anticipated death of a loved one: I don’t know who I am or will be without that person.

7)     Coming out or struggling with sexual orientation and/or gender identity: I want to express myself, but I'm struggling with others' perception of me.

Can you relate?

The truth is, redefining our identity is a normal part of life. We all periodically need to stop and examine ourselves and our priorities. However, in some circumstances this can be difficult and even stress-inducing. Sometimes the shift makes sense and we settle into our new self comfortably. Other times, a big change catches us by surprise and we are left feeling confused and unsettled.

If you are feeling stuck, there is help and hope. I’m here to help you push the RESET button. Together, we can sort through your thoughts, define your priorities and consider options moving forward.

You don’t have to go through this alone.

To book with Natasha please click here to access our online booking site.

Natasha Manzone is a Registered Social Worker in Barrie, ON and part of the team at Lindsay Tsang & Associates. 

Photo credit: Julio Andres Rosario on Unsplash