Weekly Thought – October 4, 2022
Fred prepared for every interaction whether it was a professional consulting appointment, a mentoring breakfast, or a visit with a grandchild. His methodology was asking questions rather than telling. He was a master at crafting questions which led to self-examination and self-discovery. He consistently asked himself questions. This week we will consider a few of them.
Knowing Myself
Relations should be evaluated externally and internally. Striving for excellence in the relation with ourselves is a worthy endeavor. The level we achieve requires the ability to put things into proper perspective. Disciplining ourselves and training ourselves is key. For example, when lonely, a healthy person joins the great writers and thinkers for an exciting evening of reading. When feeling mean, the answer is to associate with philosophers who convince us of our poverty of spirit. When frenzied, we should learn from those who exult in recreation making sure to choose those who know the difference between recreation and dissipation.
A large part of my strategy for “being on good terms with myself” is a personal assessment tool that measures the excellence of our internal relationship. Here are examples:
1) Is my self-respect increasing? Can I identify hollow spots and voids in myself? How am I handling them?
2) Am I content with what I am becoming?
3) Am I willing to be known for who I am rather than an acquired image?
4) Do I have to maneuver my relationships to avoid closeness?
5) Are my relational roots so shallow that they cannot stand adversity? Do I fear alienation from the shallowness?
6) Is power over others the central element in the relationship?
7) Am I trying to buy my way with others, binding them to me with a golden chain?
8) Am I more comfortable with my mortality as I age?
9) Am I developing deeper gratitude, believing that I have nothing but what I have been given?
10) Am I increasingly willing to give before I get?
Knowing and respecting who I am and especially the direction I am taking is a critical part of the maturity process. Stopping to have a conversation with myself assures myself of the proper trajectory.
This week think carefully about: 1) What questions am I asking myself right now? 2) Who do I trust with deep questions about myself? 3) How clear am I on my current direction?
Words of Wisdom: “Striving for excellence in the relation with ourselves is a worthy endeavor.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Therefore consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise,” (Ephesians 5:15 NET Bible)