Michael

The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are. – Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

I love short and to the point life lessons. The first rule mentioned above, I talk about all the time. Read almost any of my blog posts to get a sense of how I personally do that.

The second rule is great advice. I believe that the challenge is being able to clearly look at our internal thoughts. Most of us have a difficult time looking at ourselves with an outside perspective. We are too wrapped in our own “stuff” to really see things for what they are.

Our experiences, events in our lives, beliefs, relationships, likes and dislikes are all windows of how we view not only ourselves but the outside world.

One way at starting to be more open and seeing things for “what they really are” is to stop listening to what you or others say. Instead, watch the behavior. You will get great insight into understanding what you or they truly are. I’m not talking about judging here. I’m talking about understanding.

Another thing is to have a conversation in your mind where you pretend to be the outsider or another person. Ask yourself questions just like you would if you wanted to understand someone else and/or their point of view.

Write in a journal daily. You’ll be amazed at what comes out. I tried this several years ago and practiced it faithfully for many months. I found it to be tremendously eye opening and very therapeutic.

Have a great day!

Michael