Self Reflection

Self Reflection

How We Perceive Our Everyday Selves

 

    I believe it is important to take a moment every once and a while and reflect on who we are as a person. Who are we as a whole entity? Are we living up to our full potential, whether it be positive or negative? We should be asking ourselves if we are making an impact on the world and not just coasting through life. We should be questioning our self worth and how much of it trickles down to those around us, such as our family, friends and even strangers we randomly run into. How does what we say or do impact our own children and every child that holds our future in their hands? If you are not spending time asking these important questions, then you really are not doing yourself or anyone else any good.

    Don't misunderstand me. I am not saying that you have to do this. I am merely suggesting that if you wish to become a better person, it is highly recommended. In fact, a plethora of people just go through life not giving a tinker's cuss about anyone or anything that does not have a direct impact on their lives. That is fine if they wish to just keep to themselves, however, it becomes an issue when they choose to express their beliefs upon someone else. Or even when they simply take advantage of other people, whether they willingly know it or not.

  You should at least spend every day of your life wondering if you are progressing with the three core components of your personal self-awareness: your emotions, spiritual beliefs, and your intellect. You should think of it like a Holy Trinity that forms a pyramid. If you take the time to hone in and strengthen each part of the pyramid, you will have a sharp and sturdy pinnacle that will help you become a more successful and well-rounded individual. These are keys to achieving success that are always available to you, however, you have to choose to want to use them.

    You have to truly understand how imperative it is to use each key in order to get the most out of them. By working on these three core components, you learn how to not only grow as a person, but you also become a beacon of light for everyone around you. I will go ahead and break down each one and explain how you can use them to the best of your abilities:

1. Emotions - We all know how hard it is to keep our emotions at bay. After all, we are human. As human beings, we need to understand that it is not always what we say or do that has an impact on others. It is our emotions that plant the seeds on how people treat us. If we show too much sorrow, we can be perceived as weak, whereas if we act out in constant anger and rage, we are feared but not loved. The perfect balance is to know when to give a little bit of emotion at just the right time, but never too much. If one says little and yet listens more, that person becomes likable as well as approachable. Never take your anger out at someone. I find that it is better to vent in other ways, rather than yelling at someone who is just trying to help and does not deserve the verbal abuse. If anything, speak less and breathe more. 
2.  Spirituality -  We all have our own beliefs. Whether we believe in one God or multiple Gods, it is our right to do so. Especially if it makes you a better person. You have to keep your inner spirit in check and follow your moral compass. It is understandable if you find yourself off course, but always make sure you are watching where you are going. It is easy to stray off the beaten path and harder to get back on it if you have strayed too far. We often lose sight of our way, but if we keep our inner light lit as bright as we can, it will be hard to make poorer choices. Also, you should feel good doing good deeds and do them daily, regardless if someone knows it or not. The more you practice these principles, the stronger your spirit will become.
3. Intellectualism - If you wish to become a better person, it is a necessity to learn as much as you can about who you are as a person as well as learn what you can about the world around you. It cannot be stressed enough. Become a serial learner. Never stop learning as much as you can on the various topics that enter your life. Naive and ignorant people refuse to partake in researching the facts, thus leaving them vulnerable to whatever issues that come up. Whether it be political, religious or even simple everyday interactions with other people, know your surroundings. Learn the patterns that form around us. Once you recognize the patterns, you then can make better decisions. Always pick up a book and read it. The answers to your questions arrive faster by becoming a serial learner.

     I spend at minimum 10 minutes a day self-reflecting and strengthening the three cores that make up my Holy Trinity. I have done this for more than thirty years and I have learned so much more than I would have just sitting idly by and letting the world turn on its axis. I learned a long time ago, people don't always have the answers to your questions, so they either refuse to answer them or they will lie to you. This in no way helps you. I am giving you the keys that have helped me. If you don't use them, then you have no one else to blame but yourself. Take the initiative and work on your Holy Trinity. You will find that it will be the best thing you have ever done.