When was the last time you searched for who you are? My trainer, Ross Gilbert, at Tom Taylor YMCA, asked if the upcoming “A Functional Medicine Journey; 4 Days to Optimal Wellness” would be focused on the “why” of lifestyle change. I replied that it was focused on the “who”. The “who” we were when our imaginations were active and created our world. Do you remember who you dreamed you would be when you were 4 or 5? And while the dreams of astronaut, movie star, paleontologist, doctor, fashion model or millionaire we chose then might not align with the “who” that now shows up each day, the archetypal roles that were important, meaningful and valuable to that 4 or 5-year-old are likely still important motivators for us today. The courageous little girl or boy wanting to excel, conquer the world, to help others, still exists in each of us, though it may be hidden. For many, this personal touchpoint for creating optimal wellness has been lost.

Perhaps, take a moment to consider these questions:

• What do you hope to accomplish each day?

• What causes you to smile? What makes you happy?

• What were you proud of today?

• Can you remember the last time you laughed?

Contemplating these questions may prove helpful in answering the broader questions of what is especially important, meaningful and valuable to you. These answers might provide insight to the real you, the person you are truly meant to be. Your authentic self is the person you are at your core; the person you can be if nothing holds you back. Imagine the person you believe yourself to be right now. Imagine using all the tools at your disposal to be this authentic you. Using each of your strengths, beliefs and values, create this self.

Your authentic self is the best judge of whether a specific lifestyle change makes sense for you. Is it functional? Does making that change support expressing your true self and allow you to simply be you. The “one you” you chose to be when you were 4-5-year-old.