New Year, new you?
As we enter a new year, many of us are bombarded with messages of "New Year, New You." The idea that we need to completely reinvent ourselves in order to be happy and successful is pervasive in our society. However, what if instead of striving to become someone new, we focused on becoming our real selves?

Anxiety, disconnect and our true selves
Anxiety often arises when we are not aligned with our true inner selves, our organismic self. We live in a world that is constantly pressuring us to conform to certain standards and expectations, causing us to hide parts of ourselves that we fear will be judged or rejected. This constant suppression of our true selves can lead to a deep sense of disconnect and anxiety.
How can therapy help?
Therapy can be a powerful tool in helping us reconnect with our authentic identities. Beyond just addressing trauma or addiction, therapy can provide a safe space for us to explore and embrace our true selves without fear of judgment. It allows us to peel back the layers of societal conditioning and reconnect with the core of who we are.
Through therapy, we can begin to unravel the layers of self-doubt and self-criticism that have built up over time. We can learn to accept and love ourselves for who we truly are, flaws and all. Therapy offers us the opportunity to cultivate a sense of comfort and authenticity that allows us to live unapologetically as ourselves.
By embracing our real selves, we can begin to let go of the anxiety and self-doubt that have been holding us back. We can start to live more authentically and in alignment with our true values and desires. Instead of constantly striving to become someone new, we can focus on becoming the best version of ourselves.
Embracing your authenticity
This new year, instead of trying to become a "new you," why not focus on becoming the real you? Embrace your authenticity, let go of the fear of judgment, and step into the fullness of who you are meant to be. Therapy can be a powerful tool in this journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Let this be the year that you embrace your real self and live a life of unapologetic authenticity.
The concept of the organismic self versus the ego self is an important distinction in understanding our inner selves. The organismic self refers to our true, authentic self - the core of who we are without the influence of societal expectations or external pressures. It is the part of us that knows what we truly need and desire in order to thrive and be happy.
On the other hand, the ego self is the part of us that is shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and the expectations of others. It is often driven by fear, insecurity, and a desire to conform to societal norms. The ego self can lead us to prioritize external validation and approval over our own inner truth.
By recognising the differences between our organismic self and ego self, we can begin to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and authenticity. We can learn to listen to our inner voice and trust our instincts, rather than being swayed by external influences. This awareness can lead to greater self-acceptance, self-love, and a more fulfilling life aligned with our true values and desires.
