Tacoma Discussion: The Journey to Self-Acceptance

Welcome to this week’s women’s circle! Tonight, we’ll focus on connection and self-discovery. We’ll begin with a fun icebreaker to set the tone and get to know one another better. From there, we’ll explore the evening’s topic, 'The Journey to Self-Acceptance,' through open discussion, sharing our thoughts, and reflecting on personal experiences. This gathering is a space to connect, grow, and be inspired by one another’s journeys. We’ll close with a moment to set intentions, leaving with fresh perspectives and a sense of support. Let’s dive in and make this time meaningful together!

Below is the "Mindful Musing" for the week which includes our Main Topic and some questions for us to explore together!

Developing a sense of self is one of those lifelong journeys that sounds straightforward but often feels like a mystery novel. We all want to know who we really are, what we stand for, and what brings us joy—but the world isn’t exactly quiet about who it thinks we should be. Between social media, family expectations, and what society tells us about “success” and “happiness,” it’s easy to feel a little foggy on what we actually believe.

In a lot of ways, knowing ourselves means getting comfortable with trial and error. Sometimes, it’s trying new things to figure out what fits (yoga? salsa dancing? stand-up comedy?), while other times, it’s looking back to recognize the habits and interests that have always made us tick. It’s also about learning to accept and even celebrate the quirks we might’ve once tried to hide. Embracing our unique traits—whether it’s a love for cheesy rom-coms, a knack for solving problems, or an obsession with organizing everything—helps us feel more grounded.

And then there’s the question of change. Who we are isn’t always a fixed thing. Our sense of self can grow and evolve as we learn, experience new things, and shift perspectives. So, let’s explore what it means to truly know ourselves, let go of the pressure to “be” something specific, and laugh about the moments when we’re still figuring things out.

Discussion Questions:

1. What’s one quality or trait that feels like an essential part of who you are? Has it always been that way, or did it develop over time?
2. How much do outside influences (like family, media, or social expectations) affect how you view yourself? How do you separate what’s truly “you” from what’s external?
3. Are there any parts of yourself that you’ve “rediscovered” as an adult—things you loved as a kid but maybe forgot about?
4. What’s a quirky or unique trait that you once tried to downplay but now fully embrace?
5. How do you balance the desire to grow and change with staying true to who you are?
6. Have you ever tried something new that really helped you connect with yourself? How did it shape your sense of self?
7. What does self-acceptance look like for you? Are there aspects of yourself that you’re still working to fully accept?
8. Do you feel more like your “true self” in certain environments or around certain people? What’s different about those settings?
9. How do you handle moments of self-doubt or insecurity when it comes to knowing who you are?
10. If you could give your younger self advice about discovering a sense of self, what would you say?