IMPROVE
Improve
I think it's interesting that we are obsessed with two seemingly opposite notions. One is the self-help movement and the other is the 'I am enough' mindset. While both are completely legitimate and worthwhile notions, it takes a minute to reconcile in your mind. So, let's differentiate.
The first is self-help. I think most people would agree, improvement is a good thing. Although daunting, it's a natural course of action. Sure we tend to resist change, especially the older we get and more set in our ways. After all, there is a comfort that comes from things staying the same. Predictability is somewhat reassuring, although arguably boring. It's interesting that we aren't particularly fond of changing ourselves or our environment, but we are strongly opinionated about how other people need changing and improving, especially if that improvement benefits us in some way. On the other hand, we can be petty and jealous of those who have jumped on the self-help band wagon. But if we are being honest, change happens all around us whether we choose to be a part of it or not. The world is changing, rapidly. Ideas, theories, cultural norms, and socially accepted behavior are changing faster than advancements in medicine or technology. Granted this is probably because the later is fueled by money or lack therefore, with the former being fueled by idealism and passions.
Another recent peg in the wheel is the pandemic which brought the world to an unprecedented halt. Exponentially catapulted by having considerable time at home, isolated, self-help sales skyrocketed and materials flew off the shelves. Leaving only guilt for those, like me, who did not use all of their time 'productively' to turn themselves into perfectly fit and fabulous! The good news is that it also brought awareness to the ever-growing mental health crisis. Being isolated and fearful, it became even more acceptable to confront and face depression, anxiety, and self-deprecating behaviors. Millions flocked to social media to offer reality checks, hard, cold-truths, and unapologetic understanding and acceptance of mental health struggles and those suffering alone.
Such struggles and innate human vulnerabilities have also contributed to the 'I am enough' mindset. The subject of countless books, articles, and media content, it embodies the concept that even flawed and imperfect, every individual is enough and worthy of unconditional love and support. We can accept those imperfections as beautifully individualistic and those mistakes as guides to change and the building blocks for moral fortitude.
Therefore, while on the surface, the ideas of improving and already being enough seem somewhat contradictory, I surmise that they can and should work collaboratively to strengthen the very fiber of our beings. Wherever we are in our journey of this life, wherever we stand at this very moment; we are enough to be worthy of grace, love, and acceptance. Having that knowledge and empowerment can fuel our desire to steadily improve and grow our resolve to be everything we were designed to be, to reach our unlimited potential, and to light the way for everyone around us; for they are worthy too. Giving unconditional love is just as important as receiving it.
So as we accept who we are and, perhaps more importantly, who others are, we can individually and collectively become better. I know I have work to do and I'll plug along continuing to try. Some days I'll succeed and some days, I'll fail. However, at the end of every day, rain or shine, I am enough and so are you.
I think it's interesting that we are obsessed with two seemingly opposite notions. One is the self-help movement and the other is the 'I am enough' mindset. While both are completely legitimate and worthwhile notions, it takes a minute to reconcile in your mind. So, let's differentiate.
The first is self-help. I think most people would agree, improvement is a good thing. Although daunting, it's a natural course of action. Sure we tend to resist change, especially the older we get and more set in our ways. After all, there is a comfort that comes from things staying the same. Predictability is somewhat reassuring, although arguably boring. It's interesting that we aren't particularly fond of changing ourselves or our environment, but we are strongly opinionated about how other people need changing and improving, especially if that improvement benefits us in some way. On the other hand, we can be petty and jealous of those who have jumped on the self-help band wagon. But if we are being honest, change happens all around us whether we choose to be a part of it or not. The world is changing, rapidly. Ideas, theories, cultural norms, and socially accepted behavior are changing faster than advancements in medicine or technology. Granted this is probably because the later is fueled by money or lack therefore, with the former being fueled by idealism and passions.
Another recent peg in the wheel is the pandemic which brought the world to an unprecedented halt. Exponentially catapulted by having considerable time at home, isolated, self-help sales skyrocketed and materials flew off the shelves. Leaving only guilt for those, like me, who did not use all of their time 'productively' to turn themselves into perfectly fit and fabulous! The good news is that it also brought awareness to the ever-growing mental health crisis. Being isolated and fearful, it became even more acceptable to confront and face depression, anxiety, and self-deprecating behaviors. Millions flocked to social media to offer reality checks, hard, cold-truths, and unapologetic understanding and acceptance of mental health struggles and those suffering alone.
Such struggles and innate human vulnerabilities have also contributed to the 'I am enough' mindset. The subject of countless books, articles, and media content, it embodies the concept that even flawed and imperfect, every individual is enough and worthy of unconditional love and support. We can accept those imperfections as beautifully individualistic and those mistakes as guides to change and the building blocks for moral fortitude.
Therefore, while on the surface, the ideas of improving and already being enough seem somewhat contradictory, I surmise that they can and should work collaboratively to strengthen the very fiber of our beings. Wherever we are in our journey of this life, wherever we stand at this very moment; we are enough to be worthy of grace, love, and acceptance. Having that knowledge and empowerment can fuel our desire to steadily improve and grow our resolve to be everything we were designed to be, to reach our unlimited potential, and to light the way for everyone around us; for they are worthy too. Giving unconditional love is just as important as receiving it.
So as we accept who we are and, perhaps more importantly, who others are, we can individually and collectively become better. I know I have work to do and I'll plug along continuing to try. Some days I'll succeed and some days, I'll fail. However, at the end of every day, rain or shine, I am enough and so are you.
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