Jan 10
26
A case of mistaken identity
Just how aware or self aware are you? How clear are you with what you are doing? How clear are you about what’s going on around you? I don’t mean the simple straightforward things that happen on a daily basis; such as now I’m having my breakfast, then I’ll catch the bus to work. They’re the easy things to be aware of. The things I’m referring to are those you may be aware of, or think you are but maybe you do them without realising it because they’ve been imposed by another person. Woa, just a minute, surely that wouldn’t happen, would it! Have a think about and answer the question, honestly. Take a few minutes if you need to. While you’re thinking about your answer you may also like to read an earlier post; “do you know who you are?”
How often do you do something because it’s been instilled into you from an early age or because you’ve read about it in a book and it’s become the latest fad. If you are choosing to live the life of another i.e. one that has been instilled into you or one from the shelves of the latest fad bookstore; without realising it, you maybe handing control of your life over to another person. In other words you are living with another person’s identity; a clear case of mistaken identity. While you continue to live your life in this way, your personal growth will be seriously stunted and any self development you are seeking will continue to remain out of your reach.
Are you in control of your life?
Let’s take the first situation; and ask the question again, are you living a life that’s been instilled into you from an early age? Your parents are wonderful people and in most cases they are the people who have had the most influence on you and for longer than any other person. Therefore, their ideas and beliefs will have become a major part of your life, whether you want it or not. Or is that really the case? Yes, your parents values and beliefs will be a major part of your life; as for whether you want it or not, that’s not necessarily the case.
“You are not responsible for the programming you picked up in childhood. However, as an adult, you are one hundred percent responsible for fixing it.” Ken Keyes, Jr.
Once you have taken the decision to take over the controls of your life from your parents, you are totally responsible for how it pans out. Whether you choose to continue the life you’ve always led or completely turn it on its head, the final decision is yours.
Now for the second situation, the one where you are controlled by the latest fad. This is where you are led by the latest thinking, gadget or idea from some great guru. Gurus could be anybody from a celebrity, sportsperson, best friend, TV star or other family member, just to name a few. We are all under the same pressure from advertisers and media hype to achieve a certain status, be seen with certain peer groups, wear certain clothes etc the list goes on and on. Once again, if you fall into this category you are handing control of your life over to others, to control you like a puppet.
Taking control of your life
So what’s the answer? The answer is easy, by choosing to lead a different life, rather than continuing to follow the values and beliefs of others who have influenced your early life or be controlled by the trendsetters of the world, take control of your life and steer it where you want it to go. Identify your own values and beliefs and become a principle based person. As a principle based person you will have more credibility and others will see you as a person of honesty and integrity.
Principles are firmly routed in the natural laws of the universe, just like others laws such as gravity. This makes them more substantial and reliable meaning there will be more consistency in your life; no more ‘chopping and change’ to keep up with the crowd. You’ll be able to become yourself, no long to be controlled by an external source. Say good bye to the old lifestyle.
The principle based life you choose isn’t a short term fix; like the fads you’ve been used to following nor will it be a life based on the ideas of others. It’s becomes a long term lifestyle change and requires a great deal of effort and commitment, however the end result will ensure you begin to see more of the results you are seeking, such as, self respect, great (self) awareness and focus towards you goals.
Thank you for reading this post, please let me know what you think and share your experiences. While you’re here please take the time to sign up for the newsletter or alternatively you may prefer to subscribe for regular updates in your favourite reader or by email.
photo credit: bionicteaching
Related Posts
Loading ...
View Comments "A case of mistaken identity"
Very true. Thanks for the post. Will return again to know more. Dita.
Thank you for your comment. I look forward to your return.