This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. - Hamlet, William Shakespeare
The basis of all my life rules begins with knowing who I am, my strengths, weaknesses, capabilities and limitations.
When I begin to know myself with some degree of accuracy, then I can begin the process of accepting who I am. Only as I begin that acceptance can I build a foundation for relationships with others that have the potential for value and contribution.
If I understand my weaknesses without condemnation and embrace my strengths without giving in to egotism, I have begun my journey to truth. The best gift I can give those around me is to live a life of truth telling, to myself first and then to all those with whom I live and work.
If I have qualities that I need to amend (bad habits, inappropriate relationships, dishonesty, poor attitudes), I must change (the beginning of truth). If I have violated such core values, I have tolerated falseness in myself and toward others which means I have work to do before I can be "true to myself".
When I look at my reflection in the mirror of truth, I shouldn't see perfection but who and what I am, my strengths which I must utilize and my weaknesses which I must remedy. |
