self-discovery and indentity

“Who Am I, Really?” 10 Self-Discovery Questions to Help You Get to Know Yourself

Have you ever sat with yourself and genuinely wondered: “Who am I, really?”
Not the version people expect. Not who you’ve been in survival mode. But you. At your core.

That question can feel overwhelming—especially if life has been moving fast, or if you’ve been showing up for everyone but yourself. Maybe you’re in a transition, or simply craving clarity. Either way, this post is your invitation to pause, breathe, and begin reconnecting with you.

“How do I figure out who I really am and what I want?”

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But journaling is a powerful place to begin. When you give yourself the space to explore your thoughts, without judgment or pressure, something amazing happens—you start hearing your own voice again.

In this post, I’m sharing 10 gentle self-discovery questions that are perfect if you’re just starting out or feel like you need a soft reintroduction to yourself. You don’t need to have the “right” answers. You just need to show up honestly. The rest will unfold.

A Quick Note Before You Begin

  • You don’t have to answer all of these at once.
  • Be real, not perfect.
  • If something feels emotional, that’s okay. It means you’re getting closer to your truth.
  • Light a candle, grab your favourite pen, and let this be a moment of self-connection.

10 Self-Discovery Questions to Ask Yourself in Your Journal

1. What do I need right now that I’ve been ignoring?

Start here. What’s been pushed to the side? What have you been pretending is fine?

2. When do I feel most like myself?

Think about moments when you feel at ease, at peace, or fully alive. What are you doing? Who are you with?

3. What do I want more of in my life and what’s been getting in the way?

This is your chance to get clear. Sometimes we know what we want but haven’t named it.

4. Who am I when no one is watching?

Strip away roles, expectations, and masks. What’s left? Who shows up?

5. What am I curious about exploring more deeply?

Curiosity is often a clue to your purpose or next chapter. Follow what lights you up.

6. What have I outgrown—but haven’t let go of yet?

Whether it’s a habit, belief, or even a version of yourself, naming it is the first step to releasing it.

7. What qualities do I admire in others and how can I embody more of them?

This one’s powerful. The traits you’re drawn to in others often reflect what you’re meant to grow into.

8. What’s something I’ve always wanted to try, but have been too afraid to start?

Fear and desire often walk side by side. Writing it down can soften the fear and spark your courage.

9. What does my ideal day look like, from morning to night?

Imagine it freely. This can reveal what you truly value and crave in your everyday life.

10. What do I want to be remembered for?

Not in a heavy or final way—but in an intentional way. This helps you live more aligned with your core values.

Let This Be a Beginning, Not a Test

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Self-discovery isn’t a destination—it’s a lifelong relationship with yourself. These prompts are simply the first step in starting that conversation again.

So be gentle. Be curious. Be honest. And most of all—be patient with yourself. You’re not behind. You’re right on time.

Want a Guided Journal to Go Deeper?

If you loved these prompts and want more support on your self-growth journey, keep an eye out for The Self-Growth Starter Kit—a gentle, beautifully created intro kit filled with prompts, worksheets, and journaling tools to help you reconnect with yourself. Coming soon to my online shop, By Raina L Collection.

In the meantime, here’s a free 5-Day Mini Self-Growth Journal—a perfect starting point for beginners.

Until then, keep writing. Keep exploring. You’re already becoming.

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About me

The Voice Behind This Space

Where self-growth feels natural, inspiring, and achievable.

A few years ago, I found myself overwhelmed, searching for deeper meaning. My curiosity about the world often left me with more questions than answers. As I moved through different seasons of life, I started connecting the dots and gaining clarity on who I am and what I wanted in life.

One pivotal moment caused me to pause, reflect, and ask myself: What does a fulfilling life look like for me? Embracing that realisation sparked a life-changing commitment to personal growth, which ultimately led me to create By Raina L.

Let’s do this thing called growth together!

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