10 ways to help you on your self discovery journey

Self-discovery is a deeply personal, and ongoing journey. there are several approaches you can take to explore and understand yourself better. Here are some methods to guide you along on your journey. These are in no particular order, except for number one. 

  1. Journaling

Journaling absolutely has to be the number one way to help you along in your self discovery journey. If you are someone who has trouble journaling. Start with some prompts. Write out what you’re thinking about just as you’re first waking up, or just before going to sleep.

Some prompts to get you started:

“What life events, or circumstances changed your life”

“What is your biggest fear”

“An activity that is most joyful to you”

“An activity/topic of interest do I lose myself in” 

“Who do you admire and why” 

“What challenges you have overcome or what was the most challenging time in your life” 

“What have been your biggest accomplishments in life” 

2. Meditation/Prayer

“Prayer is speaking to God, while meditation is listening to God.” A few different people are credited with this quote. 

Prayer can be a way to communicate with whatever/whoever is your higher power, your guides, even the universe “put it out to the universe” Prayer isn’t just used as a form of any specific religious practice. You can reach out in prayer to whatever energy, beings, gods, goddesses, guides etc. you feel can help bring you clarity or assist you on your journey.

Meditation is a way (much like Hypnotherapy) to reflect deep within yourself to gain clarity or even to see what comes up for you. Sitting in silent, still meditation can help you learn about yourself as much as guided meditations.

 3. Personality Assessments 

  There are several types of personality assessments online. A couple of the more well known ones are the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Enneagram test. Love language tests can also be very helpful in learning about yourself. 

Please know that as you go through life, having different experiences, growing, and learning and your answers may change. So if you have taken any of these in the past, I encourage you to take it again. 

Even as you go through the test, regardless of the outcome, just answering the questions can be very helpful in your self discovery journey. 

4. Values.

 How are you living your life according to your values? 

An exercise that will help you gain clarity on this is to write out your values, then narrow it down to 3-5. Ask yourself how your life shows that these are your most important values in life. Check in with yourself to see if anything you do regularly goes against these values. (this can also be a good journaling exercise) 

 5. Creative Expression

Any art form, even singing, dancing, decorating, organizing, writing… the list is just about endless. This can help you understand what truly fulfills you, what you get lost in the flow of doing, and in turn help you to understand yourself better. 

6. Shadow Work

  Carl Jung’s concept of the shadow is very basically, recognizing parts of yourself that you’ve repressed or denied. This takes being open and candid with yourself.

   – Reflect on your triggers, fears, or perceived negative traits to better understand how they impact your life.(another great journaling exercise) 

Another great exercise to help with your shadow self is to think of a person you really don’t like at all. What are the main issues with this person? 

Narrow it down to 3 or 5 traits that you really dislike about this person. Then ask yourself which of these might also be a trait of mine, or which of these am I feeling shame or triggered by the most – then explore that. 

7. Therapy or Counseling 

   There are many forms and types of therapy. Nothing is right for everyone. I do believe everyone can benefit from some sort of therapy or counseling. Even if you just go in because you’re feeling disconnected from yourself, or feeling lost lately. Unsure of who you really are at the core level. You may have some trauma that still needs to be worked through. No matter the actual reason you go for therapy or counseling, it will be helpful in your self discovery journey.

8. New Experiences

   Get out of your comfort Zone. Within reason – you want to make sure you’re safe. Some comfort zones are personal protection. So be mindful of staying safe. 

I’m talking about trying something new, something of interest that you never tried. Attend a class or sign up for a course, a group activity you found on Meet-Up or social media. 

Try a holistic modality or method that sounds interesting to you. (please see “Holistic Connections” playlist on my youtube channel) 

9. Reading & Learning

  Plenty of self-help books out there. Also you can learn about yourself by learning about psychology, philosophy, and spirituality. 

 You can also learn a lot about yourself by reading others biographies or memoirs Reading about others’ lives can help you to reflect on your own journey, and give you a new perspective.

10. Spiritual Exploration 

Explore spiritual and/or religious practices: Whether through religion, philosophy, or alternative spiritual paths. It’s always good to learn about different beliefs and rituals. You can learn a lot about yourself by reflecting on what feels right or true within yourself as your learning.  

Also some more journal prompts.  “Who am I?” and “What is my purpose?”  “do I believe in God, why or why not.” “Where do these beliefs come from?” 

I have a video on my YouTube channel titled “How to find what’s right and true for you on your spiritual path” Many other videos on my YouTube that may help in your self discovery journey, including one with this same list. Please check out the play list tab for all the self help and self care videos there. Plenty of guided visualizations and meditations are there as well.

I hope this has helped get you started on your self discovery journey. Always feel free to reach out. You may use the contact form on the home page or email me at Pamela@HypnoBreakthrough.com

Five Visualizations for Letting Go.

By Pamela Topjian, CHt

There are many ways to let go of blocks and obstacles. Here are five  visualizations you can use to help you let go and move on. 

You may do them all, or pick one that feels right for you. I suggest you read through them first then make that decision.

Some people have trouble visualizing, however if I say the word apple, you know what that is, and you don’t have to actually see one in your minds eye to know what I’m talking about. The same is true for something none of us have seen, like the wind, or even a unicorn. 

So keep an open mind, and most importantly is that you are ready to let go, and move on. Just put your hand on your heart and give yourself permission to let go. Let your subconscious know that you are now ready to move on from the blocks and obstacles that have been holding you back.

1. Untying knots: visualize knots in a rope, or even a string. Just laying there in arms reach. Imagine or just pretend that each knot represents an obstacle or block to letting go of whatever may be holding you back. Then imagine yourself untying the knots, one by one. 

If any of them are harder to untie than others, you can imagine that you have a toolbox to use  whatever tool is needed to help you untie those knots. Once they are all untied, you can feel any tightness or tension release from your body as well. Sometimes emotional blocks lead to physical symptoms, untying knots is a good way to release both. 

2. Dial: Just like a volume dial on the radio or stereo system, you can imagine the higher the dial is set, representing the amount of blocks, or obstacles, or the strength of the block. In your mind’s eye, imagine just reaching out and slowly turning down the volume, or the dial. As you do you’re lessening the strength of the block. You can even turn it off if you feel like you need to. As soon as the volume is dialed down, you know you have control and can keep it as quiet as is comfortable for you. 

3. Bubbles: Visualize blowing bubbles like you may have done as a child, or even bubbles from a bubble bath, and imagine that the bubbles hold within them the obstacles to letting go. Then, as you pop the bubbles you also pop the block and it just disappears, or dissolves, as the bubble does when popped. You may find yourself popping lots of bubbles, one after the other. Or you may find a huge release after popping just one. 

4. Clouds: Visualize in your mind’s eye, that you’re looking up at clouds moving across the sky, and once you get this visual, just imagine sending whatever blocks or obstacles you may have up to the clouds to be carried away. Just as the clouds dissipate, imagine the blocks and obstacles being carried away, losing strength and also dissipating. Once you notice them disappearing, a peaceful feeling comes over you, and a feeling of being lighter. The sky is clear, it’s a new day and now you can move on with your life, free from those blocks and obstacles. 

5. Write in the sand: Imagine being on a beach, the waves come in and go back out again. You walk closer to the water and notice a stick in the sand, you can pick up the stick and begin to write in the sand… you write out anything that reminds you of who or what may be holding you back from moving on in your life. It could be a name, a symbol, a representation of a situation, or time in your life. Anything or anyone that has been blocking you or been an obstacle in your way.  Visualize yourself writing or drawing in the sand, then ask the ocean to take it away. Just as you do this, the waves come in and wash away your writing or drawing and as soon as it does, you feel a sense of peace and relief.

If you would like a guided meditation that you can listen to for any of these, let me know. I have a YouTube channel with guided visualizations. Just let me know, I will create and record one. Youtube.com/@PamelaTopjian

Even though these are all in your mind’s eye, please know that inner changes really do create outer changes. You may notice changes right away, or you may need to use these images/visualizations in meditation, or do them a few times over, before you see any changes .  

As mentioned at the top, the most important thing is that you are ready. You have to be willing to give up that which holds you back, even if you don’t know what is holding you back. You have to be willing to let go and move on. Excited for what’s on the other side of letting go.  As silly as that sounds, sometimes people get attached to the block or obstacles, they can even be safety nets – keeping us from our own success. I know we have all heard that people often fear success more than failure. 

Please share which you used, and how the experience was for you.

Hypnotherapy For Self Discovery, Gaining Confidence, and Self-Love

Hypnotherapy for Self Discovery, Gaining Confidence, and Self-Love: From Your Own Inner Guidance

Self-discovery is a profound process that allows us to realize our true potential, embrace our authentic selves, and navigate our path with clarity. One powerful technique in this journey is hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy utilizes the power of hypnosis in a therapeutic model.  Whereby  you can connect within your subconscious mind to bring about positive change and deep personal insights. Hypnotherapy can significantly enhance your self confidence, self-love and bring clarity to your life.

Building Confidence

Confidence is very helpful to living a fulfilling life. It empowers you to get out of your comfort zone, to pursue your dreams, and handle challenges with resilience. 

Hypnotherapy helps build confidence by transforming limiting beliefs and reducing (or even eliminating) negative self-talk. During a hypnotherapy session, I guide you into a state of deep physical relaxation, quieting the conscious mind so your subconscious mind can have a deeper focus and awareness. I offer positive suggestions and affirmations that can be more effectively processed in this deeper state.. This process helps rewire the brain, replacing self-doubt with self-assurance, and instilling a positive self image. 

Cultivating Self-Love

Self-love is essential for emotional well-being and includes self care and self acceptance. Accepting and appreciating yourself as you are, with all your strengths and perceived  imperfections. Hypnotherapy can be a powerful technique for cultivating self-love by helping to process through past wounds and trauma that may be an obstacle to having love for yourself. Through guided visualization, and/or positive reminders of your unique and true self and a beautiful being, hypnotherapy helps release negative emotions and fosters a sense of compassion and kindness towards oneself. 

This transformative process enables you to see yourself through a lens of unconditional love and acceptance, paving the way for healthier relationships, not only with yourself but others as well. 

Inner Guidance 

Inner guidance is the intuitive wisdom that resides within each of us. It helps us make decisions aligned with our true authentic selves, and navigate life with a sense of purpose and direction. Hypnotherapy helps you to connect with your own inner guidance by quieting the conscious mind and allowing access to the deeper, intuitive layers of the subconscious mind. In this relaxed state, you can connect with your inner wisdom, for personal growth, gaining clarity on your most authentic self and life purpose. Hypnotherapy sessions, and regular meditation can strengthen this connection, helping you trust your intuition and make decisions aligned with your authentic self, leading to a more fulfilling life. 

In conclusion

Hypnotherapy is a profound way to connect with your inner guidance for self-discovery, self -confidence, and self-love which can lead to a more fulfilling life. 

By connecting with the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy helps transform limiting beliefs, address and overcome emotional wounds, and connect to your own inner wisdom. 

Whether you’re seeking to build confidence, cultivate a deeper sense of self-love, or enhance your intuitive guidance, or all of the above,  hypnotherapy can be an invaluable resource on your journey to self-discovery.

Embrace the power you already have within you, through the use of meditation, journaling, affirmations and hypnotherapy. Allowing you to take a  transformative journey towards a more confident, loving, and intuitively guided you. The key to unlocking your true potential lies within your subconscious mind—hypnotherapy can help!