My life went from zero to sixty in the blink of an eye, so I haven't had much time to sit down and reflect on recent events and my role in them. May I also add that this is a wonderful and most welcome task. In fact, I'd been looking forward to the prospect of being alone and enjoying my own company (says she as her iPhone lights up with a text message). This is a state of being that most people should strive for; enjoying alone time.
However, as creatures living in a thriving, first world country we are constantly plagued with the need to achieve; we must do well in school, then we must do well in college so that we can land a good job and eventually lead a successful career. The emphasis is always placed on the future, although due attention is also paid to the past to learn from one's mistakes, but never does someone say, "remember to pay close attention to the present." Honestly, this is what people should be saying.
If someone is constantly focused on how happy they'll be once they land that promotion, I guarantee that once they land said promotion they won't even have time to experience joy or pride because they'll already be looking towards their next goal.
It's good to simply sit down, acknowledge what you've accomplished in your life up until that point, and feel appreciation for yourself as an individual.
Now, as I'm spouting all of this "love thyself" and "acknowledge thyself," it sounds all well and dandy from the curtain of a computer screen. In reality, it's actually a very difficult process that requires a good amount of introspection. At times this can prove to be a cheerful endeavor, if you've done something you're particularly proud of, but other times it can prove to be excruciatingly painful, especially when we do things that surprise even ourselves.
Being able to acknowledge one's mistakes and shortcomings is one of the most liberating and necessary experiences I can think of.
No one ever wants to admit to having flaws. For some reason or other, a flaw seems to signify weakness, or people feel shame in revealing them to others or even to themselves. The irony in this statement is that only through vulnerability can people truly form connections with one another.
Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerability
Have the courage to acknowledge your flaws, and rather than glorify them, highlight them, or ignore them completely, accept them. (For the record, by flaws I mean simple character flaws; I don't mean abusing people, because if that's the flaw you're struggling with then you should seek out a therapist to support you in your battle. That's not said with condescension or disgust, it's simply the truth.)
Everyone is beautiful in their own way, and part of that beauty is the flaw or quirk that sets them apart from the rest. To quote Bret Michaels,
"Every rose has its thorn,
Just like every night has it's dawn."
-Every Rose Has Its Thorn, Poison
No comments:
Post a Comment