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The journey of self-discovery is a beautiful process often accompanied by pivotal growth periods. During such a journey, strife is common- triggers become identified and coping mechanisms utilized. Some argue that the meaning of life is to discover oneself in the midst of conformality and chaos. Ralph Waldo Emerson, a prominent essayist, poet, philosopher, and leader of the 19th century Transcendentalist movement, states “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Thus, attesting to the fact that “one must learn to cultivate one’s own garden,” as Voltaire, French Enlightenment writer, philosopher, satirist, and historian, states. As the caterpillar must learn to weave its own cocoon and ultimately breakthrough it to become the butterfly it is meant to be, so must we be prepared to grow in consciousness to become our highest self- our ultimate potential having been truly met through self- discovery and actualization.

Self- discovery can come with many great adventures that cultivate deep appreciation for one’s own spirit and the world around us. We have simply to open our mind and heart to the possibility of “more” and our bodies will adapt. The gift of adaptation and evolution is a topic commonly spoken about in relation to the scientific “Father of Evolution,” Charles Darwin. While Darwin discovered physical evolutionary patterns through the study of birds, scholars and philosophers like Carl Jung- the father of analytical psychology and Lao Tzu- ancient Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism, as well as Siddartha Gautama, The Buddha, attest to another form of evolution; the evolution of the mind.

The mind is a great machine surpassing any capabilities of even the most intelligent machine available to date. Designed to thrive, the mind is naturally oriented to survive and be solution oriented by the faith that one is able to succeed- that one can think of the solution. That one can be oneself. That one can reach their highest potential and, through continuous effort, this is possible. Unfortunately, many fall into the realm of capitalism and conformity rather than surpassing momentary trends in order to lead with authenticity. Authenticity is one’s greatest strength when on the journey of self- discovery as it assists in recognizing situations where peer pressure and outside influences may be in effect.