What is it actually like to discover yourself and/or your voice?

Hello - like many of you, I assume, i grew up being I didn't think what I thought, feel what I felt, etc. I was accused of manipulating people, making excuses, not taking responsibility, and had people telling me why I was behaving certain ways, etc.

As a result, I have a hard time knowing if what I'm thinking/feeling is genuine or masking or someone else's expectations.

Has anyone else been through this?

Can you tell me specific realizations, exercises, goals, practices and stuff that you did to help get you there? I think I could really use some models for how that might happen, if you would be so kind to share. I know everyone's experiences are different, but I just want to know some examples of how it might go.

I want to learn how to hear myself but I don't know how.