“But I didn’t know I was lost!” That might be an initial response to an admonition to find yourself. As humorous as that exchange might be, I believe that most people understand the implication of “finding oneself.” The phrase carries with it the sense that “finding yourself” means discovering your passion and pursuing meaning. Most people I know desire to create and live a meaningful life. The problem with most of us, however, lies in the places we look in order to find ourselves.
Life coaches, motivational speakers, self-help authors and gurus of various kinds often promise “secrets to successful living” for a price. Often, we tend to believe that others possess the key to success and meaning and we just have to find the right person with the right formula and then we will have found ourselves. This type of thinking frequently forces us to jump from one guru to the next looking the “perfect person” to follow.
What if that “perfect person” is closer than you think?
Finding oneself is not unique to our time. I believe that the philosopher, Socrates, shared the secret a long time ago. He said, “To find yourself, think for yourself.” There you have it! Thinking for ourselves actually serves as the pathway to self-discovery.
In an age dominated by technology, sound bites and powerful personalities who proclaim their superiority, thinking for oneself appears something we would rather avoid. Thinking for self requires time, effort, objectivity and a commitment to study. All too often, we want others to do our thinking and deciding for us. When we do that we “find ourselves” alright – we find ourselves in a real pickle.
I don’t know about you, but I would much rather think for myself; come to my own conclusions; discover my own perspectives.
Here is the challenge: Find yourself by thinking for yourself. It may take more time, effort and energy . . . but I really tbelieve it will be worth it!
Peace!
Mark E. Hundley
I invite you to visit my Amazon Author Page for more information about my books and short fiction.
