Two
of the most important factors in the development of a healthy “sense
of self“ are:
- When
we believe that we are being accepted and loved in a way
that is meaningful to us.
- When
we self-actualize: living life authentically by expressing
our uniqueness, creativity, and independence.
Living
authentically is living life according to the direction
and manner YOU decide, based on YOUR thoughts and preferences–NOT
based on the thoughts, preferences, choices, or opinions
of others. (Certainly, you can glean from
the wisdom and experiences of others. In fact, it’s
wise and demonstrates maturity. But this should be a decision
you WILLFULLY make, not something you do because you think
you HAVE TO.)
Living
out of your uniqueness brings freedom. It sets you free to
live life the way you decide.
Authentic
living reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, and all of
the symptoms these behavioral disorders can cause. It also
means exercising the God-given RIGHTS that you inherited the
moment you were born. (Some people would prefer that you didn’t.
They prefer you believe that you AREN’T entitled to exercise
your rights. But that’s just THEIR desire, preference,
and opinion.)
Freedom
of choice, one of those God-given rights, gives you the RIGHT
to say “yes” or “no” based on YOUR
choices and preferences, and not because you feel you “have
to,” “must,” or “should.”
If
you are saying “yes” or “no” because
YOU want to, you are freely exercising one of your human rights.
This is healthy and allows you to live authentically.
If
you are saying “yes” or “no” because
you think you have to, or think that someone or something is
MAKING you, you are not exercising this right. This is unhealthy
and compromises your uniqueness (you are allowing someone or
something to direct your life and how you live it).
As
a general rule, whenever you think that you are being MADE
to do something in opposition to your free will, you are voluntarily
relinquishing a human right. Doing so robs you of a part of
your authentic self. The more rights you voluntarily relinquish,
the less authentic you will be. (Also note: when you relinquish
your freedoms, you are voluntarily giving your power away to
someone or something else.)
Naturally,
we all have to abide by the laws and regulations of our community,
province or state, and country. But why wouldn’t we want
democratic laws and regulations? Democratic laws and regulations
are generally developed by the people, and for the people.
And while we may not agree with all of them, they usually have
our best interest and protection in mind. (If you don’t
like a few of them, you can always exercise your freedom and
democratically work to have them modified or changed.)
Freedom
of choice is a RIGHT that you are entitled to. Saying “yes” AND “no” are
part of this right. Are you using this right, or are you willfully
giving this right away to someone or something else? Are you
making choices based on YOUR thoughts and preferences, or do
you often feel you HAVE no choice but to comply?
This
week, note how often you say “yes” or “no” when
you WANT to, rather than saying “yes” or “no” because
you think you HAVE to. Then, before next Monday, click on the
link below and let us know what you discover about yourself
by participating in our mini-poll:
[Sorry,
this poll is no longer available.]
Saying “yes” AND “no” is
your right. Are you exercising this freedom? |
