EXPOSED

Although it's only been a few weeks, 26 has been pretty good so far. I feel like I've learned something new about myself every day. I've learned things about myself that I don't like so much, and I've learned things that I love. I have many talents and strengths. However, among those strengths are many weaknesses. In learning my weaknesses, I can't help but to feel a bit appalled. I've taken various behavioral and personality assessments at work and for class. All in an effort to help learn myself and "work well with others". But with many of these tests, I find I can also use the results in my personal life.

My results were predictable. I know I'm competitive... I can empathize well... I'm organized for the most part. What shocked me were my weaknesses, or should I say... opportunities for growth. Among these opportunities for improvement were: I am very critical of myself and others (TRUE), and I can be fussy/picky (TRUE). Ok, ok... so I'll admit, my own best friend just told me a couple weeks ago "I am my own worst enemy", but... Am I just as critical of others? Can I be picky? I do fuss a lot. But wait a second... Is this me? Is this how I am? And... have I just been EXPOSED in front of my colleagues, my classmates? Now keep in mind, I am very critical of myself, which in other words means, I over-analyze everything.

Over the last week or so, I've thought a little about those behavioral tendencies and personality assessments. In a way, I was EXPOSED to myself. The way we see ourselves, is much different than the way others perceive us. For example, you may see yourself as a very easy-going person, but most people see you as... well... not so easy-going. Now don't get me wrong here, I don't take those assessment results completely literal and I don't believe we should walk around trying to please everyone. However, I do believe there is a lot of truth in them, and I do believe, as a culture, we need to check ourselves and do some self-inventory a lot more often than we do.

When I say self-inventory, I mean look at ourselves. I mean really dig deep. Be honest with ourselves. No one is perfect, we all have things we need to work on. For the majority of us, that one thing we need to work on is the negative energy we hold inside ourselves and the negative energy we give off to the people we come in contact with everyday. I am guilty of taking a bad attitude out on an innocent bystander or two... or three... you know what I'm trying to say. So my goal is to get to the root of any negative energy I have on any day. Negative energy comes from every where, our commute to work (road rage), a company giving bad customer service, co-workers, family, no one is exempt.

Today I was watching the rescue efforts of the 33 men in Chile who were trapped in a mine more than 1/2 mile underground. They showed footage of each man emerging from the earth running to their wives and family, kissing and hugging. One man emerged and kneeled down on both knees pressing his hands together in prayer and celebration. The President of Chile appeared on our screen and explained the various efforts of the government, who took over and got other countries involved to help in the rescue. For a moment, I though to myself... wow... America has been EXPOSED. The Chilean government responded so quickly to this possible tragedy, they utilized all the resources they had available to help their people.... our government could take a lesson or two.

Then suddenly, in the middle of my thought, a commercial break began. The local news did their regular weather updates, crimes in the area, etc. Then they ended it with, "33 men rescued in Chile- watch tonight at 10pm to find out the health risks they will now face from being trapped in the mine AND the love triangle drama that awaited one of the 33 men as he emerged." ARE YOU SERIOUS? Watching the scene of all these men reunited with their families, most of them probably thought they may never see them again!  Quite frankly, it almost had me in tears!  But leave it to some negative people to throw the drama in the story.  Why must we focus on the negative?! I mean it's everywhere!  Sheesh!

So my best advice this week is get to the root of our issues. Dig deep into ourselves, find out why we are the way we are. Find out what makes us tick, and what ticks us off.  We may think we know, but we need to know better.  Ask someone to be honest with you about yourself, don't penalize them for their responses.  Applaud their efforts.  Only those who truly love you will be honest with you, even if you don't like what you hear.  Stay away from negativity, figure out a way to turn away from it when it does present itself.  Accept the fact that we're not perfect, accept the fact that we are all flawed, and hopefully that will make it easier to cope with one another in difficult times.  Focus on the positive, love YOUrself, recognize your flaws and work on them when you can :-)  

BE BLESSED!