That's not me! I don't do that!
And then a person takes the time to think... and realizes, that the world certainly views him/her differently than a person views him/herself.... and realization settles in.
Am I really like that? Do I really act that way? Could he/she be right?
Acceptance... understanding... discomfort....
And then the promise (bli neder), the resolution to change sets in. Things must change. A person must behave differently... Arrogance, defiance, selfishness, vanity or any other number of similar personality traits are not becoming of a growing, thinking, changing person. They reflect all that is wrong in this world. And they must be changed. For the better... or for nothing at all. A person may look in the mirror and see all his flaws, but his self-understanding is somewhat limited. Who we are is, though it's hard to admit, not solely based on our own opinions of ourself. What others think of us do form our personalities...We are not our own person at times....
At times we have to change, based on what others view of us...
I guess I am like that sometimes.... now how can I fix that?
Hmmm... you honestly believe you have to change based on the way OTHERS view you? I'm not convinced. Real permanent change will only come about if you realize where you're wrong and a desire to rectify that.
ReplyDeleteJust BTW I typed up something remotely similar on my BB motzei shabbos after chatting with a certain someone till dawn. Comical no? ;-). The titles are similar too. It's on my blog; Parts of Me.
Whoa...long msg ;-) but it's holiday here. Happy Thanksgiving!
Not neccessarily.. but because their perceptions made me realize certain things about myself, then yes. And it becomes reason for me to want to create permanent, self wanting change,
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike ;)
Ill check it out
It's definitely hard when someone tells you something you need to change. But that's part of the growth process - you will become a better person by making yourself someone who accepts criticism wholeheartedly. (I know, it sure is difficult!)
ReplyDeleteI hope you were spoken to the right way...that always makes it a teeny little bit easier to change!
I think people's views of you are inevitable warped but are extremely valuable in opening your eyes into being honest with yourself.
ReplyDeleteSelf honesty is so important becaue people are so complicated and complex. The ability to dissect and analyze yourself is the first step toward change.
itsagift-- you're right, meah achuz, its really hard, but it must be done
ReplyDeleteDavid- who you are is what you make of yourself and your own perceptions... i merely incorporate others in... and then go from there at analyzing myself