How to Find Your Buried Treasure

If you could have the life you dreamed of…would you go for it? Easier said than done, right? Truth is we often don’t listen intently to that inner voice that has been there for years, telling us that we need something different, something more. Perhaps it is a different line of work, trying out our talents or unearthing our passions. Maybe it’s better self-care and more satisfying relationships.

Change requires commitment and courage. But if you looked at yourself and at those around you, I bet you would see that the moments of true happiness come when one is truly connected with who they are, and can then share that with others. It can be so easy to ignore that inner voice. It often gets drowned in self-doubt, other people’s expectations (and beliefs) about us and our abilities.

We also too may feel “selfish” and unloving to those we take care of if we honor our own dreams. Ironically, all of the statistics on the issue prove otherwise: the cost of NOT being honest with ourselves is staggering, resulting in the high rates of depression and anxiety being reported for people in this country. That voice will speak, some way somehow, and we owe it to ourselves to listen. So much more can open up for our lives if we dare to be quiet for a moment.

When I do sand tray work with clients, inevitably when they are struggling with self-esteem and identity, they would grab the miniature treasure chest and bury it in the sand…representing how they are still trying to find the core self…buried beneath defenses, under fears and distorted beliefs they hold about themselves.  Amazingly in later sessions adter they’ve done so much work, they will almost always grab the chest again…and place it on top!

So, take a few deep breaths, relax, sit somewhere quiet, and look over the following list to see if your inner voice has something to say to you.

 When do you feel the most energy? What are you doing…who are you with?

 When do you feel the most drained? Or secretly resentful?

 Are you using all of your talents? (Yes, and you have a lot of them!)

 What do you dream (or daydream) about? What movies do you love?

 If you were to write your eulogy today, what would it say? Would you have any regrets?

There is an exhilarating sense of freedom that comes when we realize we are in charge of our life that and our choices are only as limited as our imagination and creativity. We also may need to ask others for support, help, time, etc. to assist us in attaining that life.

By honoring our true selves, we gain more autonomy, a sense of purpose, more emotional and physical energy, and a sense being “at peace” with ourselves. This can all translate into better physical well being, which is always a plus.

So where are you today? Are you happy? Where would you like to go tomorrow? Close your eyes and dream….and go find those beautiful treasures you already possess.