Introspection (Photo credit: gurdonark)
There are times when we over-think things. Like introspection, or self reflection. I know I’m guilty of it. I’ve spent hours reading up on the right way to introspect. Wondering what questions to ask myself. If I was even asking the right questions.
Then, one day, I decided to just stop thinking about this whole thing. I was tired of trawling through websites and looking at lists of questions to ask myself. Some as inane as: “What are your favorite things (books, movies, stores, etc.)? Why ?”
So I just put the whole introspection thingajammy behind me and concentrated on doing different things. Things I’ve been putting off since a while. Like reorganizing my craft room. And then suddenly, one day, I just….introspected. No muss. No fuss.
And I realized there is one and only one thing that was holding me back and making me overanalyze this whole introspection thing: fear.
I was afraid of what I would find. The person I would come face to face with in the mirror. Once I let my guard down, I found that it wasn’t so hard after all. And the person I saw wasn’t all that much of an ogre. She was normal, with her strong points and weak, successes and failures, areas of confidence and insecurities.
So, if you’re having trouble getting in touch with you, ask yourself: What are you afraid of finding? Chances are, you’re blowing your fears out of proportion.
I’m going to let you in on another secret: it isn’t even necessary for you to answer that question. Just acknowledge that you’re afraid and leave it at that. And one day, when you’re least expecting it, you’ll rediscover yourself.
Here’s to you!
Ok, now, because of you (:P) my inner voice is asking me questions, tons of questions… grrrr
Hehe! Hope you get some insightful answers! 🙂
I agree with you – when the time is right, the answers will flow.
I think fearing the unknown is natural, right? It’s when you challenge yourself to face those fears helps you grow. At least that’s my mantra.
Great post to help us think! Thanks for that!!
Well, some people are fearless…and sometimes fearing the unknown can really hold you back, I think. Sometimes, it’s just important to hear the message – to be fearless – and know that you can face anything that comes your way.
Ugh. I overthink all the time =) If someone can give me lessons on how to loosen up a bit, send them my way 😉
I was like you too! Then I read a great book – The Tibetan Book of Living & Dying. That really helped me stop obsessing about things – hope it helps you too!
I think a little to much and analyze things. I am working on it.
All the best! 🙂
Fear is the mind killer…
Haha! That’s from a movie called Dune. Anyway, I completely need to get some self-reflection going on, but I don’t know if I’m going to like what I come up with.
But now that you have me thinking, my mind isn’t going to stop until it gets answers!
See, that’s part of the fear that holds you back from introspection. Chances are, you’re imagining you’ll come up with worse answers than you actually will. And you know what – if you don’t like an answer, you can choose to make some changes. All the best! 🙂
What a great post. Fear is one of the most crippling things in person’s life. It’s so hard to get over it or deal with it, but it’s not impossible.
True words, those!
I’ve fought with fear for a long time, and kinda, sorta, am beginning to think I’ve won. (Over some fears at least!)
Yay! Here’s to winning over a few more fears!
Guilty— I over think things like crazy. If I can’t make a plan I panic and get afraid. Absolutely something I need to learn to release!
Yes, panic is another thing that can really hold you back.
Good morning!
I’m visiting you from SITS! What a great blog you have! Enjoy your day!
Thank you April! 🙂
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