“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom,” quoted Aristotle. That quote is in a journal that I often write in… Actually it is 10 journals in one. Several of the journals offer journals such as Achievement journey, mending fences journal, overcomer’s journal, spiritual journal, self improvement journal and one that I am currently writing on, “Self-Discovery Journal.”
One of the “writing prompts” it offers is one that begins with that quote from Aristotle. Then it asks, “How much do you know about yourself?”
We all like to think we know ourselves well, and of course, we change throughout our lives during different seasons or because of different experiences. And sometimes – when we think we know ourselves, we experience something so life-changing – that we may actually “re-meet” ourselves again, and learn that we are actually stronger or more determined that we thought we were. Life is constantly changing who we are… And as humans, we are always evolving.
At one time, I wasn’t sure how well I knew myself because I had surrounded myself by those who didn’t believe in the things I did… My confidence was often struck down as well. If you took the me from about 5 or 6 years ago, and placed it with the “me” I am today…. I could definitely tell you – you would see two completely different people. Back then, I knew I had a passion for writing, but wasn’t surrounded by the people that I needed to be surrounded by. I also didn’t have the network connections that I have now. I also didn’t believe in myself. I had thought that my life was pretty stuck in one place and I wasn’t sure how I was going to get out of it….
Today – I know myself more, than I knew myself all those years ago. And I have also found out – that I am not that bad of a person… I often didn’t really think much of myself and wasn’t happy with who I saw in the mirror. Some of the things that really kept me going most of the time was my daughter and caring for her and for my desire to inspire others through my writing – even if I wasn’t reaching a wide audience at the time…
… Today, I am surrounded by a wonderful support system of friends and family. I have met and gotten to know many new people who have helped me realize my worth as a person, who believe in me, and support the things that I do… Finally, I am beginning to feel just a little more comfortable in my skin…. I’m not that horrible person that I was made to feel like so many years ago… In fact, now – it feels as if that were another life-time ago…
So what do I know about myself today? I know that I am kind, caring, compassionate, have some talents for writing and art, and that I am a good friend. I also hope that others believe me to be a good mother, a good daughter, a good sister and I am pretty sure, I think I am an okay girlfriend…
What else do I know ? I love poetry. I love to write. I love to play the piano. I love to create and share with others. And I love animals to no end. They are so completely innocent. I love my family. I love my friends. And I am that caring “mother” within my group of friends that makes sure that everyone is warm and they have their coat and gloves!… and if not – well I am going to make sure they have it! And… I love life. I love that I have been given this wonderful gift of life and a “second chance” to finally live life and not be trapped in a scary small bubble. I have God to thank for that.
And that is who I am.
Ariana R. Cherry: Poet & Artist 