Knowing Myself is the Key to Knowing Others (Part One)

Life is pretty much a sales proposition. We each sell each and every day in different ways, forms, and fronts. Our first ware is our own very self. We hope people will buy who we are, what we stand for, and our way of seeing and doing things. Yet, a great many of us do not even know our own self, nor like what we do know and see. How then do we expect others to? 

"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." — Aristotle.

We set the minimum standards for others to relate with us with. When we set the bar too low or high. We leave the room, or not, for people to trample and walk all over us. To win, in this game of life, it behooves us to know the product we have on offer. It behooves us to know our own ourselves. That way, we can skillfully display and get the best from all we are and are endowed with. 

 

Each one of us is unique in our own special way. No two people are completely the same. That is proven in our finger and tongue prints. We each have a mark of uniqueness stamped on. Living life to the optimum then requires knowledge of what makes us unique, which marks us out. Otherwise, we might be like an eagle perching with chickens or a fish trying to compete with mountain climbers.

"When I discover who I am, I’ll be free." —  Ralph Ellison.

In scriptures, the Psalmist declares, 

“I will give thanks and praise to You [God], for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:14, AMP) 

It is refreshing to know this refers to us - you and me. You are wonderful. You are a great piece of art. You were not just slapped together. The Creator took time and cares to work you together. Wow!

"The other day I went to a school in Harlem to talk to some 7th graders [12 year-olds] and I said, ‘If I have to give you some advice, the most important thing is: the sooner you become your own best friend, the better your life will be.’" — Diane von Furstenberg. 

"Dig within. Within is the wellspring of Good; and it is always ready to bubble up, if you just dig." — Marcus Aurelius.

Did you know that? Do you believe that? Can you receive that? There is a great value that has been worked into you. And, I mean you, regardless of who you are or where you presently find yourself. You are beautiful. You are valuable. You are wonderful. It does not matter what others have to say. It does not matter what you have done and the way you have carried yourself so far. 

That which was worked in you is irreversible. It is unchangeable. It is yours for the taking. It is yours for the harnessing. Life is waiting for you. You are precious. You are of immeasurable worth. And, you need to start seeing yourself that way, starting from right now. The value you give to yourself is the value others will give to you. You hold the key, and there is no reason not to use it. 

"Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it."  — M. Scott Peck.

It is your life. It's not another’s. It's the product you have to offer. Esteem it like it was created to be. Stand up on the inside. Stand up and live.

© 2017 Akin Akinbodunse.

Link to Study Series:

Knowing Myself is the Key to Knowing Others (Part Two)

Links to Other Resources:

Practice You (Elena Brower)

All About Me (Philipp Keel)

The Gift of Being Yourself (David G. Benner)

Knowing Your Worth