She Strengthens

The Elusive Quest for Self-Discovery

As I sit comfortably on my living room couch, wrapped in a warm blanket and sipping on a steaming cup of vegan pho, I’m reminded of the age-old question: Who am I, really? At 27, I’ve traversed the realms of various ideologies, from stoicism to minimalism, and finally, existentialism. Each has left an indelible mark on my perspective, yet I’m still grappling with the essence of my identity.

The Stoic Conundrum

My journey began with stoicism, which initially resonated with me due to its emphasis on detachment and inner strength. However, as I delved deeper, I realized that this philosophy, popularized by Ryan Holiday, often encourages individuals to internalize the burden of responsibility, rather than addressing the root causes of societal issues. The ambiguity surrounding the concept of “in accordance with nature” only adds to the confusion.

The Minimalist Mirage

Next, I turned to minimalism, which initially struck me as a radical rejection of material possessions. After exploring the ideas of The Minimalists, I began to appreciate the simplicity and clarity that this lifestyle affords. Yet, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that their message was tainted by privilege, making it difficult for me to fully embrace the label.

Existentialism: A Familiar Flame

It wasn’t until I reconnected with existentialism, sparked by a film about Violet Leduc, that I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. This philosophy, which emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility, resonated deeply with my 17-year-old self, who had abandoned institutional religion in search of meaning. Existentialism’s malleability, exemplified by the diverse perspectives of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, and Camus, appeals to me.

The Pitfalls of Hyper-Consumption

As I navigated these ideologies, I began to realize that I was attempting to fit into predetermined molds, rather than forging my own path. The internet, with its abundance of “Thought Leaders” and persuasive articles, can be both a blessing and a curse. We’re no longer just consumers of products; we’re consumers of ideas, often sacrificing our unique thought processes in the process.

A Call to Mindfulness

In this era of self-help and personal development, it’s essential to approach these ideologies with a critical eye. We must be mindful of the attractive influencers, curated social media feeds, and promises of easy solutions. Instead, we should focus on putting in the work to figure ourselves out, embracing our individuality, and treating ourselves as such.

Beyond Identity: The Pursuit of Meaning

Ultimately, I’ve come to understand that identity is only tangentially linked to meaning. While self-reflection is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize that our sense of purpose may not be directly tied to our identity. As I continue on this journey of self-discovery, I’m reminded that the pursuit of meaning is a lifelong endeavor, one that requires balance, nuance, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.