290. Finding Yourself Starts With Permission

Finding yourself isn't about waiting for a lightning-bolt moment of clarity—it's about giving yourself permission to explore. In this episode of Wednesday in the Wild, Megan records from a campground in the Uinta National Forest while reflecting on how every season of her life has revealed another piece of who she is.  From quilting to graphic design to surface pattern design to coaching and podcasting, each chapter wasn't a detour—it was part of becoming. The more Megan gave herself permission to follow her curiosity, develop new skills, and pivot when it was time, the more she discovered what truly lights her up. If you've ever worried about choosing the "wrong" path or wondered how to find your purpose, this episode is an invitation to stop waiting for certainty and start experimenting. Every experience teaches you something about yourself—and that's exactly how you find yourself. In this episode you'll learn: Why finding yourself is really about giving yourself permission to explore. How curiosity is one of the greatest clues to your purpose. Why trying something that doesn't last forever is never wasted. How every season of life teaches you something valuable about yourself. The common thread that connected every chapter of Megan's journey. Why your unique interests often feel "normal" to you but are actually part of your calling. How childhood conditioning can disconnect you from your natural inclinations. Why adulthood often involves unlearning as much as learning. How experimenting builds clarity faster than overthinking. Why purpose is discovered through action—not just reflection. You don't find yourself by waiting for certainty—you find yourself by saying yes to curiosity, experimenting, and allowing each season to teach you who you are. Every path you explore becomes part of the person you're becoming. If this episode resonated, let’s stay connected: → Get weekly insights + behind-the-scenes in your inbox: Get the Emails!→ Learn more about coaching: Visit MeganBauer.com→ Come say hi on Instagram: @bauer.ftw→ Watch this episode on YouTube: HERE! Breakthrough Mode is a personal development podcast for those who want to build better habits, simplify their lives, and become who they’re meant to be. Hosted by life and habit coach Megan Bauer, each episode blends mindset shifts, practical tools, and real-life examples to help you gain clarity, stay consistent, and create meaningful change.