The phrase “I feel myself” is becoming increasingly popular in everyday speech and pop culture, especially on social media. While it may sound unusual in traditional English, its modern use has taken on empowering, confident, and often celebratory meanings. But what exactly does this phrase mean, and why have Australians embraced it so enthusiastically?
This article explores the phrase “I’m feeling myself,” including its meanings, cultural context, and how Aussies use it to express confidence, identity, and self-love.
Breaking down ‘I feel myself’: A modern self-expression
‘I feel myself’ is a phrase that carries multiple meanings, often associated with personal empowerment or emotional self-awareness. It is commonly used to demonstrate self-understanding, confidence, or personal empowerment. It can also express an emotional state, where someone feels tranquil about their own identity, body, or state of mind. Personal reflection and the exploration of identity mean discovering yourself.
Different meanings of the phrase
1. Empowerment and self-confidence
The most common use of “I’m feeling myself” is as an empowering declaration. It typically means that the speaker feels attractive, capable, or confident in their own skin. For example:
- “Look at this outfit—I’m really feeling myself today.”
- “After that gym session, I’m feeling myself again.”
In this sense, the phrase communicates positive self-esteem and a proud moment of self-affirmation.
2. Self-awareness and emotional state
In formal English, ‘I feel myself’ can indicate a state of alignment with one’s emotional or physical sensations, just like in the case of self-awareness as an emotional state. In this context, the phrase spotlights self-consciousness and self-observation. For example:
- ‘After a long hike, I feel myself calming down.’
- ‘During contemplation, I feel myself becoming more focused.’
3. Colloquial usage
Even in Australian slang, the expression ‘I feel myself’ signifies an indication of self-sufficiency and confidence, primarily in the context of one’s appearance or capability. For example:
- ‘Check me out today, I’m feeling myself!”
- ‘She walks into the room, and you can tell she is feeling herself.”
This conveys a sense of pride and self-esteem.
4. Interpersonal intimacy
‘I feel myself’ also plays a really important role in how we connect with ourselves and with others. In relationship intimacy, it means connecting with one’s feelings to deepen the connection with others. For example, ‘I feel myself sharing feelings with my partner.’ ‘
3. Social media and selfie culture
On Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, “I’m feeling myself” often appears in captions under selfies, glow-ups, or videos where people are expressing joy, beauty, or transformation. It’s a popular way of saying: “I like how I look, and I’m owning it.”
Why “I feel myself” is more than just a phrase
‘I feel myself’ might seem such a specific expression, understanding and using it correctly can offer several significant benefits:
- Increase self-awareness: Develop a stronger relationship to our inner experiences by frequently inspecting how we feel.
- Enhanced communication: When we describe the physical and emotional state exactly as it is, it helps us articulate our needs and limits with others better.
- Self-reflection: The term encourages us to pause and observe what is emerging internally, which is an important dimension of mindfulness.
- Emotional control: From introspection to reacting to conditions can assist us in managing our emotions more effectively.
Therefore, ‘I feel myself’ is more than just a phrase. It is a collaboration of self-awareness, self-observation, and better communication.
Where to use the phrase ‘I feel myself’ in everyday life
Let’s see the uses of this phrase in daily conversation:
1. Social media texts
The expression is often used when referring to social media posts like pictures and videos on Instagram or Facebook, pointing out that the person thinks that they looked good or felt good. This could reference a bright, glowing selfie, an image from a fitness class, or a simple moment when folks are feeling on top of the world.
2. Before departure
A lot of individuals say this before they go out as a way to hype themselves up. This may be a silly way to show excitement and confidence, especially if they feel good in the way they are dressed and their appearance.
3. In Joyful Times
The expression is another way to congratulate yourself once you have accomplished something important. It is a form of self-congratulation and means that the person is celebrating their important accomplishment.
‘I feel myself’ and self-esteem
The confidence relationship
‘I feel myself’ is a way to shine on your self-confidence. When someone uses this term, they are mainly giving themselves an ovation, embracing their identity, and revealing their true nature. In today’s digital world of Instagram filters and peer pressure, this type of self-love is like discovering a treasure. It also helps to discover who we truly are and live our truth.
Body confidence and self-love
Today, when someone says ‘I feel myself’, it often means they are embracing their body exactly as it is. This interpretation focuses on self-assurance and self-recognition, both key elements of self-love. When a person speaks this phrase, they represent that they feel great about themselves, their look, or their potential.
When Identity Meets Culture: Interpreting ‘I feel myself’
In Australian cultural contexts, the phrase ‘I feel myself’ can have different meanings. Generally, it indicates self-awareness, personal development, and being at ease with oneself and exuding confidence. But, it can also imply individualism and superiority, which is interpreted differently in collectivist cultures. Below is a more in-depth explanation of this notion:
- Self-confidence: The phrase often reflects self-confidence at times when the person feels comfortable, confident, and positive about their identity and appearance.
- Relaxed nature: Australians are known for being easy-going and laid-back, and the phrase could mirror this laid-back style of living.
- Self-reliance: The phrase could also signify self-reliance and independence, which is highly valued in Australian culture.
- Collectivist culture: In a culture that emphasises community and group cohesion, the phrase may mean very little.
- Cultural awareness: Although this phrase is universally accepted, it may require multiple meanings in cross-cultural contact, particularly if the other culture has a strong emphasis on humility or group identity.
- Arts and creativity: Australian artists could use the phrase as a form of unique cultural identity that allows the integration of traditional and contemporary forms of influence.
In short, the phrase ‘I feel myself’ in Australia is typically related to self-confidence and individualism, but it is crucial to pay attention to potential cultural nuances and different interpretations in different contexts.
Final thoughts
Overall, the phrase ‘I feel myself’ is also such an empowering declaration, and has confidence and some emotion to it. For many Australians, it is a form of self-love and, to some extent, self-acceptance, unapologetically. But it is also a stylized, multi-dimensional marker in the English language. It could wholly mean anything from self-awareness and acknowledgement to an informal expression of confidence. Thus, we need to put the phrase in the cultural and situational context of its us,e as it opens up potential for improved and varied communication.
