Know Thyself

I’m super excited about events coming up in my schedule. Everyone loves having something to look forward to like an upcoming wedding, milestone birthday or anniversary. These events all lead to some sort of change. How many people like change? I’m one of the crazy ones that does. Change requires asking tough questions.

Statistics say that 45% of people would like to remain within their current status quo. It’s interesting that no matter the necessity of change, they would rather stay consistent regardless of whether or not they should. So, about half of the people say they would try to make change in their lives.

I look forward to events such as learning seminars. I know, sounds boring right?

I love books, conferences, documentaries; anything on learning about yourself. I’ve been researching about personal development. It interests me how a person is wired, what makes them tick. One of my favorite tag-lines is, “Know Thyself”.

I loved Philosophy class in school. The ideas of the ancient scholars pointed to the importance of self-knowledge and self-awareness. It is probably the most difficult task anyone faces. But until you know yourself, strengths and weaknesses, you will struggle in most areas of life whether it be relationally, spiritually, professionally.

Recently, I took a personality test. It was fascinating. It literally “read my mail”. I couldn’t believe how accurate it was. It made me want to know more and read all the things I could on why I am wired the way I am. Some of the people mentioned with my personality type were Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, Issac Newton and. . .Neo, from the movie, “The Matrix”. I most identified with the last guy!

It was so intriguing how my results listed this quote that I felt describes me so well:

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. - Albert Einstein

As far back as I can remember, I questioned everything. I had to know why things worked the way they did, why people acted a certain way. I read articles on learning what our purpose on earth was. When I was a young teenager, I would sit in my room and wonder where my future would lead. What would I do as an adult? What would I study in college to prepare me for that future?

Again, I remember the question popping up as a young twenty-something. Getting married at 23 and wondering if my main purpose was to be the wife to my husband. Did I fit anywhere else? I enjoyed working alongside my husband as he lead and mentored teens. It was an exciting time being able to speak into their lives and give them a place to belong.

As a thirty-something new mom, I began to think, “Is this it? Is this what I was meant to do in life?” I fully embraced and accepted the responsibility of being a mom of 3 young babies. It gave me great joy. But always in the back of my mind, the thought rattled around, “Is this all there is meant for me to do?”

Now at the end of my 40’s, I realize I do have so much to offer. I would have loved to have had someone tell me there were so many seasons in life to look forward to, that life was not over. I’ve learned much but know there is so much more to learn in life.

Always question and look for answers.

Wisdom begins in wonder.

Let those who would move the world first, move themselves.