Desiderata
-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Insecurity; Reclaiming Our Sense Of Worth
Insecurity
There is an innate awkwardness to being human.
With each decision we make, there is the potential for self-doubt, and it is this self doubt that forms the root of insecurity - a complex emotion that is a mix of equal parts of inadequacy, isolation, fear, and hopelessness. Yet these feelings of insecurity that prevent us from fulfilling our potential by inducing us to abide by arbitrary self-limitations are nothing more than erroneous perceptions.
We feel a loss of confidence and uncertainly of ourselves because we judge ourselves to be so. Ridding ourselves of these feelings is often simply a matter of challenging ourselves in order to prove that we are indeed intelligent, competent, and able.
When we feel insecure, we not only perceive ourselves as incapable of meeting life's challenges but also fraudulent and unworthy of true happiness. We move through life plagued by a sense that others have judged us and found that we are lacking. As a result, we are robbed of our personal power and rendered unable to feel positive about the choices we make.
Everyone feels insecure from time to time because each of us is born into the world with unique strengths. When we find ourselves with feelings of insecurity, however, we need to understand its source. Perhaps the cause is having been repeatedly berated as a child or spouse. When we have experienced this, we seldom accept positive reinforcement in the present. A tendency to withdraw from risk or uncomfortable situations can amplify feelings of insecurity.
We don't know what has happened earlier in the lives of others, and so we need to always be aware that harsh responses to individual viewpoints and opinions can have devastating effects. Hopefully, those we hurt when we respond as such will share their feelings with us so that we can move forward in life in a positive manner.
To berate another in any form is a sin against God and neighbor, but these things happen. It is then that we need to have a heart to heart discussion and say or hear the words that have been detrimental in our personal devopment.
Once we have this discussion and define the origin of our insecurity, we can focus on our abilities.
The more we utilize our personal power by taking risks, facing challenges, and acting decisively, the stronger it will grow.
Remember that insecurity is not objective. Rather, it is an emotional interpretation of our value unconsciously based on doubt, shame, and fear.
As we overcome these underlying emotions through courageous action and copious self-love, we discover that we are capable of achieving more than we ever thought possible.
That is what God offers for us and wants for us. We just have to claim it.
With love & light,
Rob
There is an innate awkwardness to being human.
With each decision we make, there is the potential for self-doubt, and it is this self doubt that forms the root of insecurity - a complex emotion that is a mix of equal parts of inadequacy, isolation, fear, and hopelessness. Yet these feelings of insecurity that prevent us from fulfilling our potential by inducing us to abide by arbitrary self-limitations are nothing more than erroneous perceptions.
We feel a loss of confidence and uncertainly of ourselves because we judge ourselves to be so. Ridding ourselves of these feelings is often simply a matter of challenging ourselves in order to prove that we are indeed intelligent, competent, and able.
When we feel insecure, we not only perceive ourselves as incapable of meeting life's challenges but also fraudulent and unworthy of true happiness. We move through life plagued by a sense that others have judged us and found that we are lacking. As a result, we are robbed of our personal power and rendered unable to feel positive about the choices we make.
Everyone feels insecure from time to time because each of us is born into the world with unique strengths. When we find ourselves with feelings of insecurity, however, we need to understand its source. Perhaps the cause is having been repeatedly berated as a child or spouse. When we have experienced this, we seldom accept positive reinforcement in the present. A tendency to withdraw from risk or uncomfortable situations can amplify feelings of insecurity.
We don't know what has happened earlier in the lives of others, and so we need to always be aware that harsh responses to individual viewpoints and opinions can have devastating effects. Hopefully, those we hurt when we respond as such will share their feelings with us so that we can move forward in life in a positive manner.
To berate another in any form is a sin against God and neighbor, but these things happen. It is then that we need to have a heart to heart discussion and say or hear the words that have been detrimental in our personal devopment.
Once we have this discussion and define the origin of our insecurity, we can focus on our abilities.
The more we utilize our personal power by taking risks, facing challenges, and acting decisively, the stronger it will grow.
Remember that insecurity is not objective. Rather, it is an emotional interpretation of our value unconsciously based on doubt, shame, and fear.
As we overcome these underlying emotions through courageous action and copious self-love, we discover that we are capable of achieving more than we ever thought possible.
That is what God offers for us and wants for us. We just have to claim it.
With love & light,
Rob
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