Know Thy Self and Be True

"Other people's perception of you is a reflection

of them; your response to them in an awareness of you."

Roy T. Bennett

Erma Bombeck once said, "What you think of me is none of my business," as it is difficult enough to manage our own inner critics.  We waste our energy if we try to convince a foe of our goodness.    We can improve our relationships, however, through awareness and holding ourselves accountable.

Before we judge another, we need to understand what the situation is saying about ourselves.   If a derogatory remark is made about us, we must search our heart and decide if any part of it is true.  If we can own even the slightest piece, it is a learning opportunity to adjust ourselves, not the other.

If false words have been cast our way, we still must inquire as to how they apply to us or how they reflect the other person's image of who we are to them.  Recognizing the misconception increases our ability to deepen the relationship or to let it go.  Know thy self and be true...