Belong to Me

  The greatest thing in the world

is to know how to belong to oneself.

Michel de Montaigne

 There were many triggers going off  within me when I first read this quote.  As an unattended child, I believed the only person I really belonged to was me ... and that was rather frightening as I was not sure I liked my self all that much. 

Over the years, I longed for someone to be responsible for me or  to take care of me.  When I did find someone to belong to, he did such a great job I resented being dominated and not having free thought or will. 

Finally retrieving parts of my self that had fallen into others dominion, I attempted to become what I thought others needed me to be so that I could finally belong.  I kept giving and giving until there was nothing left to give.

It has taken years for me to love the 'self' within me, and to see I was  worthy of respect and attention.  The truth is I really like myself now that I have accepted all the sharp edges and weakened floor boards.  I am still 'under construction', if you will, but I am pleased with the progress and results.  I am truly grateful to finally belong to me!

Finding True Meaning

The finest thing in the world

is knowing

how to belong to oneself.

Michel de Montaigne

Of Solitude

Through contemplation and introspection we draw upon our inner wisdom as well as life's experience in discovery of our true nature.  Before we can accomplish a sense of wholeness, we must explore and embrace unknown parts of our self.  Equally important, we need to be able to define and express our personal values and ethics. 

We each have integrity and honesty and the degree to which we utilize these qualities in our life creates a pattern.  This pattern reflects who we are, how we attend to details, if we are organized and the manner in which we embrace beauty.  These things portray our basic nature.

To benefit from inner work, we spend time alone.  This time is needed for psychological, emotional, and environmental space.  As we grow to understand our discoveries, we begin to radiate this growth out into the world. 

Through inner exploration, we become aware of what is meaningful and heartfelt to our personal life.  Using this information to guide us, we can eliminate what no longer has purpose and embrace a new sense of living.  We will have a better understanding of who we really are and will become more comfortable in being our original self.

When this is accomplished, the long search for filling the void within is over.  We are able to turn to our inner self for answers we have been seeking else where.  Filled with integrity and honesty, we are able to navigate in relationships and in life purpose, finding true meaning and significance.