Reclaiming Your Sense of Self
Written by Abby BertaLet’s be honest—life gets loud. Between work, relationships, responsibilities, and the constant scroll of social media, it’s easy to suddenly find yourself thinking, Wait… who even am I anymore?
Maybe you’ve been through something big—trauma, addiction, or a mental health challenge. Or maybe it’s been a slow drift, one expectation or role at a time, until you feel like you’ve quietly lost touch with yourself. Wherever you’re at, here’s the truth: your sense of self isn’t gone. It’s still there, ready to be rediscovered.
And the best part? You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need curiosity and the willingness to check in with yourself.
Why Do We Lose Ourselves?
It happens more often than we realize. As humans, we adapt—to keep the peace, to succeed, to belong, or just to get through the day. Over time, though, those small shifts can lead us further away from what once felt true and meaningful.
In a world full of perfectly curated feeds and constant opinions, it’s easy to start chasing someone else’s version of happiness, success, or worthiness. Psychologist Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe calls this chasing self-worth—tying how we feel about ourselves to what we do, how we look, or how others respond to us.
But that cycle? It’s exhausting. And no matter how hard we chase it, it rarely feels like enough.
Instead, we can start building a version of self-worth that’s rooted in who we are, not what we do. That’s what reclaiming your sense of self is all about.
What Reclaiming Yourself Actually Looks Like
This isn’t about turning into a “better” version of yourself. It’s about returning to what feels real and meaningful. That might look like:
Setting boundaries that are both kind and honest
Reconnecting with the things that once brought you joy
Speaking up for yourself with more confidence
Letting go of old narratives and giving yourself permission to write new ones
Reflecting on what matters to you now—not just what used to
At Spring Enhanced Outpatient Program (EOP), we create space for this kind of growth. Through group conversations, creative expression, and one-on-one support, we help you explore who you are—not just who you’ve had to be.
Simple Ways to Start Reconnecting
Not sure where to begin? Start small. These everyday practices can gently guide you back to yourself:
Ask yourself what you need. Pause each day to check in. Do you need rest? Movement? Laughter? A little quiet?
Write without a filter. Journaling can help you untangle your thoughts and hear your own voice again.
Say no when you need to. Even one boundary is a powerful way to honor yourself.
Revisit something you love. Music, creativity, nature, connection—anything that sparks a sense of “you.”
Unplug now and then. Step back from social media when it starts to feel overwhelming. Give yourself room to breathe and think clearly.
You’re Still In There
You’re not lost—you’re growing. And underneath the noise, the roles, and the pressure, your true self is still there: steady, resilient, and worthy of your attention.
Reclaiming your sense of self doesn’t happen overnight. But with support, intention, and a little self-compassion, you can find your way back—one moment, one breath at a time.
And if you need a safe place to start, we’re here. You don’t have to walk this path alone.
Call (719) 301-5458 to get started today.
References
Hanley-Dafoe, R., EdD. (2025, March 19). You’ve been enough all along. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everyday-resilience/202503/letting-go-of-the-chase-and-reclaiming-your-self-worth
7 steps to boost your self-esteem. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/self-esteem/art-20045374