To Thine Own Self Be True

Sparrow,

Recently, I had a conversation with a dear friend that left me thoughtful for days. I won’t go into the exact nature of the conversation but it was basically about knowing what my needs are, in terms of love and friendship, in order to move forward on my personal journey. To highlight a point he was making he referenced this quote:

“To thine own self be true”...

("This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man."
- William Shakespeare, Hamlet, 1.3)

“To thine own self be true”. It is such a short quote but, yet, such a powerful and challenging one, isn’t it? The challenge is this: do you know yourself well enough to be true to yourself, Sparrow?  I’ve often reflected on my own personality and/or had aspects of it pointed out to me by others but really knowing myself is something I haven’t, until recently, considered.

If you were to outline your personality on paper, Sparrow, do you know what words you would use? Could you list the good and the bad? Would you use the same descriptors for yourself that others would, do you think?  After a lot of thought, I know I could use the following to describe myself:

Anxious

Intelligent

Loving              

Emotional                               

Impulsive                    

Stubborn

Kind

Anal retentive :-)

Generous

Curious

Bitchy :-)

I’m that girl with her foot in her mouth who will walk into trouble, see the warning signs, and walk into it anyway. I drive too fast, listen to music too loudly and I cry too EASILY.  I like being alone. I don’t have a natural ability to read social cues and, so, I am easily frustrated by people or I frustrate them, in return. I have a capacity to be forgiving, not because I am naïve, but because forgiveness is important to me and I work at it. I have an unfortunate temper. I laugh easily and for some reason strangers like to have spontaneous conversations with me which I encourage to the annoyance and humour of people with me. I have a keen desire to be a good friend.

                                                                                                         

"To thine own self be true"...

I’m sure there is a lot I still don’t know about myself but I have a good basic understanding of who I am and, now, I can take the time to look at the people in my life and consider whether or not they belong on my journey. They don’t always have to agree with my actions, but they have to be willing to like and/or love me for who I am.  In the end, it was an enlightening conversation that I had with this friend and I dedicate this posting to him. I don’t know if he had any idea that I would spend so much time considering our discussion but I did, and I thank him for that. This friend has often challenged and encouraged me to think deeply and this is one of the reasons why I like him in my life; why he is welcome on my journey.

You, Sparrow, will always be welcome on my journey and I’m thankful for you.

Love Always, a happy to be herself, Red Bird