Redeeming your true self

The Dalai Lama, who has dedicated his true self to helping others with his thoughtful wisdom and compassion once said, "With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world." Before you can begin building a better world for yourself and for those around you, in your community and beyond, you must first practice being your true self. Your true self is the inner child in you -- that selfless personality willing to see beyond the darkness to find the beauty and talent within to do more and be more than what you ever imagined possible. You, beautiful you, are capable of so many great things but yet you punish yourself by holding onto the past and not applying yourself.

When asked, I have found that most people want to be successful, contribute to a greater cause, and achieve harmony in your life. I know you do, too!  That is why I encourage you to shed those self-destructive layers of anger, bitterness, resentfulness, regret and sorrow that have been plaguing your life and your mind. Now forgive yourself for carrying those feelings for so long. It's alright to do so. No one is going to shame you for letting it all go. No one is going to hold it against you either. You only have to answer to your true self. At this moment, you have the ability to redeem your true self. It is all up to you. Are you going to live with the heavy layers you have built upon yourself or are you going to shed them right now…this moment?

I know it hurts to let go of those hardened emotions because they have become part of your emotional life. Each time something goes wrong, you have those memories you can fall back on but they are not healthy memories. In a twisted way, they have become your crutch, your easy-out for placing blame as you find a reason to hold onto to the negative emotions. And we all know that taking responsibility for our own actions means having to take the fall for something we may not want. Part of being at peace with your true self is knowing that even when things do not happen precisely the way we want, that tomorrow is another day to rise and believe that there is a better way. Yes, we make mistakes along the way. That's human. But without those errors in judgment or actions, we would not be who we are today. It is because of these learning opportunities, we are able to survive and thrive, change and grow. Not all "negative" things are necessarily negative. Often times, our feelings get hurt, but we need to go on and we move forward because that  is just a small part of redeeming your true self. Once you have achieved an accord with who you truly are, you can come to terms with your past and move onward with a sense of self-confidence, purpose and potentiality.

Your ability is only measured by the time and passion you put into yourself. Only you are the true judge of your behavior, your attitude, your actions, your accomplishments and the achievements that you have the capability to have and do. When you think about it, it is not difficult to move beyond your ego mind, which keeps telling you that you cannot because of ____________fill in the blank. Now is the right time to redeem your true self and to live in the light of your true essence because that  is what you are destined to be.

 If not now, when?

  

Joan Marie Ambrose

Author, Creative Writer, Motivational Speaker