discover yourself

I heard a pastor once say that "self-deception plus self-reliance equals self-destruction." I agree with only a portion of that equation.

Self-deception will undoubtedly lead to self-destruction if left unchecked. If we cannot be objective and honest with ourselves about ourselves, we're done. Game over. "Destruction" in its many forms, will become an eventual certainty. I'm of the opinion that reliance upon a deceptive self is a bad move, but shunning self-reliance all together is equally naive.

So here's my equation: 

self-awareness + self-reliance = self-discovery

1) self-awareness = paying attention to your attention; objectively looking at what you do and don't do well; embracing that which inspires you.

2) self-reliance = doing what only YOU are supposed to be doing; not waiting for a "sign" - taking  initiative and pursuing action over apprehension.

3) self-discovery = using that which you are destined to be, do, and have to add value to the world; to leave your legacy.

You've got to do the inner work necessary to be consciously aware of what you're good at and what you're not; what you like and don't like; your strengths AND your weaknesses. It requires looking in the mirror objectively. 

A person who embraces their strengths, and then is empowered to take the initiative necessary to use those strengths positively, eventually "discovers" themself. And this self-discovery inevitably leads to selflessness, which in-and-of itself, is a spiritual concept.

©2009 Tom Leu