Who is in the Driver Seat of your Life?

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius

At times it can be enlightening and empowering to take just a few moments to reflect on ourselves. Everyone must make time for themselves. Time is what we squatter away on frivolous objects and people. Then why not spend a few precious minutes on ourselves? If we are not careful we will find others spending it for us, therefore it’s necessary to rein ourselves in now and then, be in solitude, and ask ourselves, “Who am I?” “Where have I been?” “Where am I going to?”

Every night it’s important to take a few moments to quiet our mind and call ourselves to an account. What weakness have I mastered today? What new passions acquired? What temptation defied? What virtue attained? Daily introspection helps us gain an aerial perspective of ourselves and abort any vices, weaknesses or flaws of character that may have crept silently into our persona. When we go deep within and look into the mirror of our mind, we not only see the problems, but also the solutions.

It is only when you lose sight of yourself, that you lose your direction. To keep yourself intact you must keep your mind under control. Make the world a mirror that reflects your image back to you. This will offer you a clear indicator of who you are and what you need to change going forward.  Even if your life is perfect and you have your end game figured out, there is an inner voice that you will hear at some crossroad in life which will tug at your heart and say “But wait a second..." Don't reject this inner voice. Listen carefully, and step outside yourself to reconsider your life and any transgressions, vices or flaws that may have crept into your life. 

As Scott Horton says, “As long as you think you're green, you'll grow. As soon as you think you're ripe, you'll rot.” Never be so much in love with who you are, but remain focused on what you can become. Remember that there is only one person that you can be guaranteed of improving, and that person is YOU.