Self, Actually

Feature Photo by White Book

 

On this beautiful 19th day of our New You in 31 Days Challenge, inspired creative, Karin Rochelle gives us a golden nugget where self-improvement is concerned. This short- but powerful- post is a key to accomplishing our dreams and goals. Let us know what you think in the comments!

♥Kellie

I want to talk to you about us…you, me, our neighbors, our enemies, sisters, brothers, bosses, children, parents. Yes, us and each and every person we come in contact with. But, it starts with you and me and how we acknowledge ourselves.  Like lovers acknowledging their love, we must find a way to discover, embrace, and care for ourselves.

What is self-actualization? 

Abraham Maslow’s  hierarchy of needs state that each person’s basic needs in life: food, shelter, warmth, sense of belonging need to be provided before a person can achieve self-actualization. It is “the motive to realize one’s full potential,” said Kurt Goldstein, a German neurologist and psychiatrist. 

There are many messages about reaching our full potential, so we have to choose methods and plans that suit our lives and lifestyles. Some examples of self-actualization include simply being yourself:  creative expression, seeking spiritual enlightenment, searching for knowledge, getting involved in a charity or just giving of yourself to others.

A friend’s latest social media status update read this: “I know it seems selfish, but for the last few days I have been doing more for me than other people, and I feel more happy because of it.”  It is not selfish to take care of yourself. But, because we live in a society where so many people are in need, sometimes we stop doing things for ourselves and only do for others. We can become so overwhelmed with other people’s lives that we do not realize we have lost ourselves.

I have noticed lately that the more I do for myself, the easier it is to help others around me. If we do not take care of our needs, we will not be as effective in showing love to others. We will not be as effective in life if we do not figure out what we need for ourselves to function. So, while I agree that we should live unselfishly, I also think that to do so, we have to live a life of constant self-actualization.

Being creative, seeking out knowledge, learning to be who you want to be all help you live your best self…actually. I encourage you to take time to grow, seek enlightenment, feel, enjoy, run free! Take care of yourself!