Mar 06 2008
I’m working on it
Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom; mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.~Lao Tzu
The last part of that quote… I’m not even close to mastering anything. No strength or power here, I’m afraid.
I’m a work in progress. I’m not easy.
I’m pretty good when it comes to knowing others. I almost always get a feeling soon after meeting somebody for the first time. I have learned to trust my first impression and my own instincts. I’ve always been sorry when I didn’t. I’m a good listener and people usually feel very comfortable talking to me. Sometimes what they say falls under the heading of “more than I wanted to know”, but that’s OK.
Actually, I’m much better at knowing others than I am at knowing myself. I didn’t really get serious about figuring myself out until I realized my 21 year marriage was a complete failure. I had to take a really close look at myself to determine what part I had played in that. Ultimately, I claimed nearly all the blame. I realized that before I’d ever gotten married, I knew in my heart of hearts that it wasn’t what I wanted. I went into it knowing he had anger issues, didn’t want kids, didn’t share my faith, but I pushed that all away. I actually believed I could “Cure Him”! I was young, foolish and in love. I settled for less; less than I deserved and it was also less than Mr X deserved.
It’s been 14 years since the divorce and I’m still working on knowing myself. So I certainly wouldn’t say I’ve attained true wisdom just yet, but I’m working on it.
6 responses so far
The very best job I could ever imagine is one that would pay me to think… and the currency would be wine!
I think most people are a “work in progress”. Your post definately hit home with me. Ya got me thinkin!!!
I am in the same situation. About to be single again, but this time knowing i tried with everything I could. Still doesn’t stop and make me wonder. Great post.
I am like you I am a very good judge of people. My husband has learned after many years of marriage to listen to my judgment on people. When people tell me more about a subject than what I want to hear. I just think “TMI” Too Much Information.
I think it is so important to make that attempt, of being open to figuring out who you really are. I learn something new about myself, each and every day. Mostly because my four year old daughter tells me.
I just read through a lot of your blog and really like it. I’ll be back. Have a great day!
I think people just need to slow down and take some time for themselves more often, to think and relax. I am happiest and feel like I know myself most when I do this. But it doesn’t happen often enough.
I enjoyed reading this with your Yellow Lab post above it. Dogs are so very good at standing back to have a look and taking it for what it is. My dog taught me that. He was a great protector and a gentleman, more of a one than any man I have ever met. That kind of caring and commitment is hard to match. I didn’t always add up to him! But he taught me to be honest and to keep the eyes open. Thank God for our animal friends and for our ability to change direction!
God bless.