It is difficult to look at oneself; to look at the half-truths one tells oneself;
Shed Light On It
By Dorothy M. Neddermeyer
S
hed light—to make (a reason, subject etc.) clearer. The irony of this statement is that when it comes to “Shedding light on oneself,” it becomes a horse of a different color. It is difficult to look at oneself; to look at the half-truths one tells oneself; the denial one espouses to oneself; or fantasies and illusions one creates to cope with life's travail.
You might know what is best for you, from the food you eat to the relationships you create. Yet, ironically, you seldom make the right choices. For example: You might hang out with people who drain your energy or test your patience; or you eat unhealthy food. You know taking vitamins, mineral supplements and exercise is important, but you seldom follow through. More often than not, people have no idea what prompts them to continue to make less than enlightened choices, however, it is important that one sheds light on oneself to find out.
The truth, more often than not, is a deep seated belief that one is not worthy or that self-care—putting oneself first—is ‘selfish.’ Another frequent truth is that if one makes healthy choices, one is then self-reliant and self-sufficient. If one is self-reliant and self-sufficient one is totally responsible for all aspects of ones life. This seems like an overwhelming proposition. However, taking full responsibility for ones life has the opposite effect. When we are responsible for every aspect of our lives, we have complete command of our lives. Who better to be in complete command of ones life than oneself?
When we fail to take care of ourselves we are in a self-sabotage mode—albeit unconscious—that is why it is difficult to shed light on the matter. It is critical to remember that the part of us that we resist will persist. If we resist healing that is the part of us that most needs our attention and care. When we shed light on ourselves, we bring our actions, behaviors, thoughts and feelings into consciousness, and it can become our greatest ally. You empower yourself by knowing who you are, what you are about and what you want.
When you recognize you are making unhealthy choices, simply acknowledge that fact—“I am failing to take good care of myself.” Accepting what is; is the first step to change anything. What is stopping you from taking good care of yourself in this moment? Give yourself time to explore the matter thoroughly, if not this moment, at the end of the day. Shining light on the source of your resistance to take care of yourself can readily dislodge it. Other times, you might need to delve deeper. In either case, you need to avoid the fear that ‘something is wrong with me.’ You are a perfect human being with adaptations and indoctrinations, which are sabotaging your well-being. Nurture these parts of yourself as you would a child, until you are able to step into taking care of yourself.
Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Life Coach, Hypnotherapist, Author, "101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life." Dr. Dorothy has the unique gift of connecting people with a broad range of profound principles that resonate in the deepest part of their being. She brings awareness to concepts not typically obvious to one's daily thoughts and feelings. http://www.drdorothy.net
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