Back to Yourself is Going Backwards

In the journey of life, one thing remains certain: change. From the moment we take our first breath to the last, we are in a constant state of flux.

I often hear people say, “I want to get back to myself,” I am tired of being in a setback and not being able to move. (Being injured is just one example, but obviously, there are countless reasons for setbacks).

I remember how many times I told myself when I was in service: “When I am done wearing these uniforms, I will get back to being myself again.” I held this thought in my head daily. When it was time to remove the uniform and the authority and responsibility that came with it, I was no longer the same person I was when I joined the military. I am different. Older, wiser, more experienced, yet extremely inexperienced in so many things.

Is it even possible to find yourself again? Can we ever truly return to a fixed version of who we were before the hurdle? The answer, it seems, lies in the intricate dance between our experiences, our challenges, and our growth.

The Ever-Evolving Self

Imagine your sense of self as a canvas, where every experience, both positive and negative, adds brushstrokes that form a vivid and dynamic masterpiece. Every smile, every tear, every triumph, and every setback contributes to the evolving tapestry of who you are. This concept challenges the notion of “getting back to myself” because the self is never a static entity—it’s a fluid, an evolving entity shaped by life’s ever-changing landscape.

As we navigate the twists and turns of life, we must remember that our understanding of self is in a constant state of transformation. The person you are today is not the same person you were yesterday, and tomorrow, you’ll be someone new yet again. Embracing this fluidity empowers us to let go of rigid expectations and opens us up to the endless possibilities that each new experience brings.

In early 2022, I started writing a book, which I previously “finished” writing over ten times. But the thing is this – each time I read the book, I was different than I was the last time I read it through.  I have grown since. Each time, reading the texts I had written, they always seemed different to me as my lens has changed. We are always a little different, as we learn more every day.

The Power of Setbacks

In our quest for growth and self-discovery, setbacks often stand as our most profound teachers. These hurdles, although painful and challenging, hold the key to unlocking hidden reserves of strength and resilience we never knew we possessed. As the saying goes, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”

It’s easy to celebrate the highs and try to forget the lows, but it’s in our lows that we find the most valuable lessons.

Think about it—when life presents us with adversity, we’re pushed beyond our comfort zones, forced to confront our limitations, and encouraged to rise above the difficulties. We are forced to find solutions. We are forced to learn what we couldn’t learn when things were comfortable. The setbacks become a crucible where our character is tested and refined. The very trials we wish to avoid, the moments we might want to erase, are the stepping stones to self-discovery and growth.

Discovering Our True Selves in Hardship

Have you ever wondered how you would react when faced with challenges? Would you exhibit the kindness, grace, and strength you admire in others? It’s an intriguing thought, especially for those who immerse themselves in the wisdom of philosophy and self-improvement. But the truth is, true self-discovery often happens in the crucible of hardship.

During tough times, we come face-to-face with our deepest fears, our vulnerabilities, and our true nature. It’s in these moments that we have the chance to demonstrate our capacity for resilience and grace. The path might not be easy, but the journey reveals aspects of ourselves that we might never have acknowledged otherwise.

Embracing The Journey

So, as we navigate this ever-changing landscape of self, let’s remember that we are not striving to “get back to ourselves.” We are, in fact, embarking on a continuous journey of self-evolution—one that embraces the highs and the lows, the joys and the struggles. Our canvas is not meant to remain stagnant; it’s meant to be a vibrant portrayal of a life well-lived.

As we face setbacks and challenges, let’s not shy away from the pain or try to escape it. Instead, let’s accept it as a guide, a mentor, and a catalyst for growth. Embracing life’s setbacks and using them as stepping stones toward self-discovery is a testament to our strength and resilience.

Change is mandatory. We grow and learn to adapt to changing circumstances. Each new experience, every challenge overcome, and each lesson learned adds depth and richness to the masterpiece that is your ever-evolving self. So keep your heart open, your spirit resilient, and your eyes fixed on the horizon of possibility. Your self-discovery knows no bounds, and the path ahead is illuminated by the brilliance of your ever-evolving, ever-inspiring self.

Remember…
Life isn’t fair. So don’t expect fairness, rise above it.
Getting back to yourself is a regression. Finding your new self is moving forward.

Do something amazing,

Tsahi Shemesh
Foudner & CEO
Krav Maga Experts