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| wholelife action area> getting to know myself better my working life personal relationships health - mind and body leisure, social and 'me time' mindercises |
understanding my roots
So
where to start? Whether you're twenty or sixty, or anywhere in
between, your life will be structured in a totally individual
way. The way 'you are now' is the result of several interconnected
factors.
your special genetic make up - the
characteristics you inherited from your parents, grandparents,
great grandparents etc! Each of us has a unique set of inherited
characteristics which govern the basis of our physical body and,
to a certain extent, our mental and emotional make-up.
your personal experiences, both mental and
physical - the type of 'inter-actions' that you've had
with other people - your immediate family, your friends, your
colleagues, people you don't like. The nature of the physical
environment that you were brought up in. The type of physical
environment which you have subsequently chosen or been forced
into by circumstance.
your particular coping mechanisms
- the thought processes, the behaviour and mannerisms that you
have developed to deal with your physical and mental world; in
other words your current set of 'responses' for which you are
responsible.
Think clearly about these three different sets of influences which
make you the person you are today. Set aside some 'special quiet
time' to make a list of your most important influences and characteristics
under each section. Give a page to each and come back to them
from time to time when a fresh thought strikes you.
For example, have you inherited your mother's quick wit, or your
father's twinkly blue eyes? Are you afraid to touch your friends
and relatives because you come from a reserved non-tactile family?
Do you make friends easily? Do you complain before you see the
good side in a situation? Have you decorated your home in a particular
way? Do you have any unreasonable fears which you can trace back
to your childhood?
There are hundreds of questions you could ask yourself - so go
ahead - spend an hour, a day, a week or however long it takes,
just getting to know who you are now. We're only talking about
a tiny portion of time compared to your whole life - please take
that time!
Be brutally frank and honest with yourself, this is a personal
journey and no-one else need see your list. If you deny what you
know in your heart of hearts is the true you, then you will not
be able to learn and grow in a meaningful way - honesty is the
only policy. Deny nothing, accept everything - warts and all.