What Is a Journey of Rediscovery Like for an INFJ?

Photo by Hannah Reding on Unsplash

Though I can’t speak for all INFJs, I can describe the way I see rediscovery as an INFJ. And maybe other INFJs will be able to relate.

For me, rediscovery requires going back—back to a time when things made sense—back to the familiar. These days, I often hear people telling others to let go of the past. They need to move on, they say, and learn to live in the present with their eyes fixed on the future. To them I say, you’ve never been an INFJ who feels disconnected from their true identity.

Why Rediscovery Is Important

I understand the idea of letting go of the pain of the past. I, too, think that’s important. And I also think it’s important not to think of past success as a guarantee of future success or of past failure as a guarantee of future failure. But, if I may echo King Solomon’s words, there’s a time to forget and a time to remember.

The time to remember is when you feel you’ve been living in the land of confusion for a while. For reasons you can’t explain, you don’t feel like you. And if there was a time when you felt like you, it was in the past. So, if you want to remember what that feels like, you have to go back. This has been my experience lately, and that’s what I’m trying to do.

How to Go Back

For me, going back is simple. I need to watch the shows and movies I used to watch when I was younger. I need to listen to the music I used to listen to. I need to play the games I used to play. I need to go to the places I used to go. I need to read old journal entries and stories I started but never finished. I need to immerse myself in the joy and freedom I felt back then. And in so doing, I just might be able to find my true self again and go on from there.

I know it’s not possible to literally start over. Too much has happened and too much has changed. And, frankly, I like some of the changes I’ve made to how I think and how I approach life. Even so, I know I’m not where I need to be. So, I need to go back to when I was a more authentic version of myself. Filling my mind with the familiar and with what helped shape me as a child might just lead me to that more authentic person.

The more authentic version of myself didn’t second-guess herself. She didn’t overthink. She felt free to feel and grow and enjoy life without letting others convince her she should be doing something else. That’s the person I’m trying to rediscover. That’s the place I need to get back to, even if only mentally. The past is, after all, a place we can only visit in our minds.

Rediscovery vs. Self-Discovery

Of course, I’m aware that some people don’t have the fondest memories of the past. For them, there’s just too much pain—too much they want and need to forget. They don’t have the luxury of remembering a simpler time. I think their best remedy is to create new and beautiful memories going forward.

But then, they wouldn’t go on journeys of rediscovery, except perhaps in an effort to heal or understand past events differently. And I wouldn’t use the word “rediscovery” to describe that process. For me, “rediscovery” means rediscovering things you want to remember and feel and apply.

People who would rather forget the past may go on journeys of self-discovery, though. And they may do this to learn about who they are now. Self-discovery means looking within. Rediscovery means looking back. Since I’m on a journey of both rediscovery and self-discovery, I’ll mention both in future posts.

Brief Summary

A journey of rediscovery involves going back to find yourself again. And that kind of journey is crucial for any INFJ who feels separated from their most authentic self. I’ve offered some advice on what I think helps with the rediscovery process, and I’m currently putting that advice into practice. But rediscovery will look different for every INFJ. Ultimately, you have to ask yourself this question: What will it take for you to feel like you’re fully you?

~ Ashley C.

Last updated: June 23, 2022