Remember Who You Are

Often, as men, we forget who we are.  I got so many phone calls this week from men who I think just forgot.  I wouldn't be so audacious to say the story is always the same, but I will say, more often than not, the problem is more internal than external.  Something doesn't go right, or we get uncomfortable and suddenly we're evil, bad people who can't find our place and don't deserve anyone to rely on.  We're lonely, angry, sad, and afraid and our whole being becomes lost to the lie of who we think we are when we're at a low point. 

For better or worse this seems to be part of the human condition.  The relentless cycle of humanity. We stand up, we fall, and hopefully we get back up again. It seems way too easy to get caught up in the lie and live life behind the tinted glasses of how we think the world sees us (based mostly on what we think of ourselves).  Some people get so caught up in their faults and mistakes, they don't like the reflection looking back at them in the mirror anymore.  All of this because we tend to look at our flaws.  When was the last time you looked in the mirror and tried to only concentrate on your positives?  The last time you consciously tried to see the good you wear on your face and your sleeve, or the ones you carry in your character beneath the surface?

It's great to have people and friends around who can pick you up and remind you who you are.  People who can point out the you which you have forgotten or overlooked.  But there will also be the others.  Those people who bring you down and who remind you of your faults, your mistakes, and point out your shortcomings.  For these reasons we can't live based on outside input alone.  A positive self view needs to come from within.

This can be rough though, because I know my faults more intimately than anyone else.  The way out, I think, is not letting those faults or unfortunate instances define me.  It needs to start with a recognition that I am good.  I'm worthy and I have value, right now, in this and every moment.  Nothing I do and nothing you can say, can take this away from me.  It's a positive self belief, which sometimes I forget, but is always there.  Being good, worthy, and having value doesn't mean I'm perfect in any way.  I don't feel arrogance about them. I recognize when I do something wrong and I try to make necessary changes to right my wrongs.  I move on and I connect to my positive inner self who is good.  Who has got this.  I got this! 

How much better would our lives be if we remembered to keep practicing this?  If we bring ourselves up and out rather than down and in.  You?  You are great!  Today, as you are.  When I stop being limited by who I think I am I can start growing into who I know I ought to be.  When you stop forgetting and know what to remember, the sky becomes the limit.

When it comes to others, help him remember.  Help him do it on his own so he can remember even when you're not around.  May we all learn to remember who we are and shine our light unto others who need the same.