The Importance Of Knowing Ourselves

Do you know who you are?

It might sound like a silly question, but many people live ambiguous, unhappy lives because they are in denial about who they are, what they want, and who they could be. This could have happened perhaps because they have not been reinforced or affirmed, they lack the confidence to achieve their desires, or they are trying to please their significant others, or those they wish to impress. Like people who might genuinely like one thing, but do another. However, it is very important to know yourself for at least three reasons:

First, you have to live with yourself 24/7. No one in your life will be with you as much as you are with yourself. Would you live with a stranger for so long without knowing anything about them? Would you feel comfortable ith them knowing so little of their values, ideas, goals or personality?

Essentially, knowing yourself is about self-awareness which leads to greater understanding. Who you are, what you like and desire, where you are going, what makes you happy, and what makes you irritated: those are very important aspects to know, if you are to maintain a good quality of life and take advantage of the things that make you glow.

Second, self-awareness builds confidence. The more you know about you, the greater you will feel emotionally and the more adept you will become at dealing with situations. You are likely to become more intuitive about what works for you and what doesn't. Self-awareness is a powerful tool for improving competence because, with such knowledge, you will be pushed along directions - both at home and at work - that make you feel good, rather than living in a vague, unfufilled way from day to day, not knowing how you feel, or what you should do.

Finally, self-awareness boosts identity. If you don't know much about your background, history, culture and what you value, how will you get on with others in mutual respect? They cannot respect what they don't understand. People who lack self-awareness tend to make others feel uncomfortable because they are seldom sure of what to do or what they want. Self-awareness builds self-esteem through personal appreciation and understanding, so ignorance about the self is not a good state. Knowing your identity tells people what you stand for and what you truly value, which is more likely to put them at ease, even if they disagree with you. When you are sure of your identity, you do not wish to be a clone of others, or a caricature of someone else. You enjoy being you, in your own unique way.

Way back in time, philosopher Aristotle said: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” That makes perfect sense because the relationship your have with yourself, especially the comfort you feel with being you, will be the greatest relationship you'll have in your lifetime.

Remember: Knowledge is power, but the greatest power is self-knowledge.

If you do not really know much about you, it is hard to appreciate yourself and the amazing person your are, nor would you be able to appreciate others. Most important, they will not be able to value and appreciate you either.

Beth Behrs summed it up brilliantly when she said: "I actually feel that the better you know yourself, the more you want to hang out with yourself and enjoy that time to do whatever makes you happy."

That is so true - and I'm speaking from regular experience!

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