More and more I’m seeing memes about focusing on one’s self. Forget everyone else, focus on you. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, only you. Who cares if no one likes you? Only the relationship with yourself counts.
And there is truth in the above to a degree, but some are taking this too far. They are misinterpreting self-knowledge, self-growth, self-awareness, and self-respect for self-absorption and selfishness. They are misconstruing this exploration of self, forgetting that this phase should always include consideration, tolerance, patience, and kindness for others. Discovering yourself does not equate to self-centeredness, acting out and practicing anger, or not caring about our fellow man (man all inclusive like a Caribbean resort package).
It is important to develop trust in yourself. It is crucial to learn who you are – values, beliefs, morals. It is critical to build character, rely on integrity, and foster empathy.
Yet it’s not all about you. And never will be. It’s easy to become perfect in your own kingdom – but how do you engage and communicate with others? How do you take this self-evolved human and interact with the world?
Taking time to focus on yourself, your goals, and dreams is key to an authentic life. Eventually, you need to incorporate that self with family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, community, and more.
The goal of self-discovery is to find yourself through full disclosure, by being honest with yourself. To overcome your weaknesses, find your strengths, then live fully with that awareness every day.
So please be aware. It’s never all about you. The purpose of finding you is to gift others with that person. It’s not to become a self-absorbed, selfish human. It’s to show-up daily as the best version of yourself – and support others in doing the same.
