Knowing Yourself and Being Yourself

Not too long ago I was talking with a good friend and catching them up on some changes and advancements I’d recently made in my life. While sharing with them they interrupted me by saying, “That’s not you. That’s not who you are.” I was totally caught off guard and almost didn’t know how to take those words. Not because of how they felt but because it had been so long since I’d considered someone else’s ideas of who I am or who I should be. Before responding I quickly thought back to the life I’d lived with this friend and the way I lived it out in front of them. Suddenly my surprise and angst had left because I’d realized something very important which is that knowing yourself and being yourself are two different things.

There are some parts of my personality and character that I’ve known and embraced outwardly for a long time. They are some of the best parts of me – in my opinion – that make me the kind of guy everyone likes to be around. But then there were other parts of me that I had also known and embraced but only inwardly. Parts of my personality, the way I wanted to talk, dress, and live that I maintained a healthy fear of sharing with the rest of the world. The threat of rejection, judgement and failure can truly stagnate a person’s progress not only professionally but developmentally with your emotions and self-esteem. I had lived only half of myself with one of my best friends! And once I’d finally gained the courage to be 100% authentically me, I wasn’t recognizable.

As sad as this may sound, it’s not a bad thing at all. Everyone must reach their maturation at some point and when that happens, it is that same persons job to expose their new whole selves to the world. Sometimes you may need additional patience as you may find yourself taking baby steps to educate people on who you are. But at no time should you ever be content with the action of accepting your truth and your definition of self from another person. The only source of your meaning is God and the only source that converts that meaning into reality is you. No one else holds that power but you.

So now I guess I have my work cut out for me. I now have to help my friend understand all of the power, character and ability I’ve possessed all this time, lol. I hope to say the same for you. Remember, knowing yourself and being yourself are two different things. Making them one and telling showing the world who you are…is YOUR JOB!

Own Your Actions I Create Your Experiences @MrFrankieWilson