Know Thyself

“Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.” - Lao Tzu I love this quote! Lao Tzu (Chinese Taoist Philosopher and author of the Tao Te Ching) recognized that self-awareness is a key to success. Unfortunately, our culture does not often support or encourage self-awareness. Our culture often encourages people to look outside of themselves for answers and happiness. When you focus your attention on the external world rather than on your internal experience, you miss the opportunity to connect with your true self and your unique gifts. You miss the opportunity to know yourself. As a soul psychologist, I see folks all the time who lack of self-awareness. Many people (especially women) are so focused on pleasing others that they have lost touch with themselves. Others have spent years pretending to be something that they are not. The result is the same - they no longer know themselves. In order to achieve success, enlightenment, and self-actualization, you must develop self-awareness. I encourage you to spend some time getting to know yourself. Discover your likes and dislikes. Uncover your strengths and weaknesses. Spend some quiet time to explore your beliefs and values. Identify your greatest achievements. Your biggest mistakes. As you get to know yourself, be sure to develop a balanced view. Do not focus only on your faults and weaknesses. Stay open and curious as you discover your true self. Put down the mask that you wear to hide from others. Let your true self out. When you are self-aware, you can follow your dreams and live your life to the fullest.