I am regularly asked, “How can I find my true self?”

I often begin a new path when I start to feel something in my life is going wrong, realising that this is not the way I want to live.

At these moments, I close my eyes and see myself standing on the side of railroad tracks.

It is dark, under a clear night sky, and I am surrounded by vast fields of pure white snow.

Long-distance trains rush past me with a loud whoosh, and I feel the shudder and a blast of cold air.

The windows of the trains are brightly lit and I see the black silhouettes of people flash by in an instant.

The passengers are sitting at tables covered with elegant white tablecloths in the dining car.

They are smiling, talking and clinking glasses of bubbly, golden champagne.

I imagine this is how I want my life to be, bright and fast moving. I do not want to be on the side of the tracks.

I need to be on this train, to meet and talk with my fellow travellers. I want to speed towards a new life, a goal, a dream.

When I have this feeling of wanting to find my passion, my mission, this desire to live differently does not vanish by itself.

This uneasiness does not go away. It stays with me until I start changing something.

Occasionally, it recedes among my obligations and routines and I begin to fall asleep, despite its call.

Then the voice becomes loud and decisive and tells me to wake up and listen closely to the truth no matter how hard it is to bear.

If I try to tell anyone how I feel, if I share my thoughts and doubts, I usually get advice along the lines of, “Everything is fine! What more could you want? What else could you possibly need?”

However, I know what I need; the truth that keeps surfacing in my soul.

To see that truth I must forgive myself. I must accept who I am. Then I can ask the questions:

What do I want?

What do I need to change?

What shall I do?

I consider where I am in my journey. I remind myself to look at my talents, my vocation, my dreams.

Maybe I can do much more in this brief time that is my life?

This path to finding yourself, your passion and mission is not easy.

Can you do it?

Yes, you can!

Remember your past victories, the goals you have already achieved.

If you are sure that you are doing everything correctly and you are on the train to a better future, then your strength will increase and you will find a second wind.

On board this train, you will always meet people who will help and support you.

Which way are you going in the new year, my dear readers?

Where do you see yourself?

On the side of the tracks or in the golden light of the railway car?

I will be one of those passengers on board who will advise and inspire you. Join me as we rush through the starry night, surrounded by possibilities!

• Nina London is a certified wellness and weight-management coach. Her mission is to support and inspire mature women to make positive changes in their body and mind. Share your inspirational stories with her at www.ninalondon.com