hellooo evryone :)

Figuring Out “YOU”!!!

I read a lot of material related to self improvement, realizing your true potential, reaching your goals, living a healthy, happy and fulfilling life and I sometimes get drowned in the ocean of information thats out there. It can be confusing sometimes as well to tell the truth. Its like taking advice from some one who doesn't really know you, your life, your state of mind, your circumstances and so forth. I do not mean to dis-credit in any way all the wonderful people who write and share their mental thought process, their vulnerabilities and beautiful selves with the world.They are all doing a wonderful job and I personally feel indebted to them to share a little piece of themselves. Its just that I feel We all as human beings are created different, unique and are masterpieces in our own right and that is why I feel that it should be our most important mission to know our selves. As some one has said that this life is a gift of God to us and what we do with our lives is our gift back to God. I am sure that if we do not discover our own true selves and do not use our talents as God has gifted to us, we would surely not be doing justice to this gift called life.

I wanted to write this article for the longest time to explore the phenomenon that is “YOU” because when I look around I see a stereotypical approach is expected of every one, an appropriate FIT for the society we live in, piece of a puzzle that can not be joined in any other way. These expectations and behavioral approaches are leading people to live, lives which are essentially not their own. Whats unfortunate is that people sometimes spend so much energy trying to be part of the so called “Acceptably Successful” definition of life that they totally forget the “YOU” in them. They become oblivious to the fact that with every move they make to fit some definition of acceptability they kill themselves slightly. Which in time kills the things which make us human, our passions, our sensitivities and our ingenuity. We lose our authentic self. So How to Figure out YOU???

There is no straight answer to this question and I am by no means an expert on how you can figure out your self but I am on a journey to be the best version of my self and I think every one of us should be taking that journey. There are certain things in life I have come across which I believe can help to know your self better:

1. Hear your self think: In todays fast paced life it is really important to hear your self think. Make it a habit to do so. I have to travel a lot for work so I make it a point to listen to my self think while I drive. You can also do that while you take your morning walks. Its really powerful to know what your deepest thoughts are and what you want from life and what action it requires from you. It can transform you believe me.
2. Never shy away from new experiences: Always welcome new experiences, you never know what inspires your inner spark. You must have heard there is no substitute for experience and that is true. I feel in the modern era when the world has shrunk to the palms of our mobile screens, its really important to plunge your self in to new experiences, new cultures, new people from different back grounds whenever and where ever the opportunity provides. I encourage you to always approach the experience with child like curiosity and enthusiasm so you can get the most out of it.
3. Welcome challenges as opportunities for personal growth: Life presents its fair share of challenges to everyone. I used to handle challenges very differently in my younger years. Even though I always knew in my heart that I was up for the challenge but I still couldn't stop my self from stressing over the situation. Over the years I have learned to look at challenges as opportunities for personal growth. When you have the “Bring it ON” attitude that makes a real difference. By looking at challenges in this way you tend to thrive on them, enhancing the process of personal growth. YOU would know better that your true colors come out when you are challenged.
4. Know your emotional responses induced by people: In your life’s journey you would come across all kinds of people and they would induce all kinds of emotional responses in you. Never under estimate your emotional responses. I have learned the hard way that there are people who can inspire you to become your best self and bring out qualities that even you did not know of and then there are people who can drain the very last bit of energy you have leaving you feeling helpless. Never allow some one to affect you in that negative way, its extremely taxing. Take a moment, a deep breath and check your emotional state. Take whatever action deemed necessary. The longer you take, the worst it would be.

The points listed here are by no means exhaustive in nature and I want more input on Figuring out YOU!!! and as the saying I have shared in the beginning says the “Mastery of the Self” starts once you know your self so know thy self first.