Don’t Be Limited By Others
Have you ever noticed a pot plant before?
Not only noticed it but gave it a great deal of attention too. I didn’t expect something so simple, so normal, would hold such Wisdom. As I looked into my backyard one morning, I could not help but appreciate the trees swaying with the wind. Looking around, I noticed the beginnings of a fruit-tree in an old concrete pot.
This unexpected and beautiful sight stayed with me for a few moments before I realized something quite saddening
This seed would never grow into its potential because it will forever live behind the boundaries of the old concrete pot. It interested me greatly to see how an environment could affect the exploration of potential. I mean, all this seed needed was a different environment and it would grow into an amazing fruit-tree, which could nourish people for generations.
How could I not compare this to life and the people that live it?
I see people, filled with great potential, held back by their surrounding environment — they can’t grow any further than the boundaries set for them. But what I feel to be worse, is that people see their concrete pot to be their surrounding environment and not their internal environment. They don’t see that the limits imposed on them, are the ones they impose on themselves.
Because each person sets their own limits
Limits may be imposed onto you by different people and situations, but you choose when to be limited. It is for you to decide how you are affected by the influences of others. Realize that you are your own individual, living your own life and setting your own boundaries. Use this psychological freedom, let it help you thrive and grow, regardless of where you are placed.
Let me share the words of John C. Maxwell:
Growth is the great separator between those who succeed and those who do not. When I see a person beginning to separate themselves from the pack, it’s almost always due to personal growth.
From this, I wish for you to keep these with you:
You Are A Seed Filled With Potential
You may not have considered this before, but do not underestimate this fact in yourself. You are born, just like every other person. Your environment may be different, but it is for you to use to grow into your potential. Realize this, else some other may come along and define your worth for you.
People can help you explore your potential, but you alone must decide your potential
Listen to your feelings, they will focus your attention on everything meaningful to you. Don’t sit idle with these meaningful characteristics or actions, be inspired by them and develop them in yourself. Like a seed that draws nourishment from each thing imposed on it, so must you. Let each day deepen your roots and guide you towards actualizing your potential.
“Every living organism is fulfilled when it follows the right path for its own nature.” ― Marcus Aurelius
Define Your Own Limits
I now understand that limits are inevitable — they are the subtle decisions you make to stop yourself from following something further. Whilst this does have a negative tone, I see immense value behind this tone. If you consider limits well before placing them, they can save you from following the wrong paths — they become barriers you place to keep you safe and well on your journey.
But you have to carefully consider where you place them
If you place the ones imposed on you without considering their value, you could hold back valuable parts of you for the wrong reasons. Listen rather, to your feelings. Let it guide you towards understanding what to keep and what to let go of. This process will ask a great deal of strength from you, but if you commit, you will protect your growth as an individual, the very reason you exist.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
You Get To Decide What You Can And Cannot Be
This responsibility brings immense value with it. You will find many things living inside of you, waiting to be awakened, waiting to be developed. But you will also find many things that you need to let go of, things that mislead you. These lessons are a part of the process towards discovering your potential.
But don’t expect to know them all in the beginning
Life is a journey filled with many unexpected experiences. Each day brings many lessons with it. These lessons can help you deepen your roots, but you have to decide the value you find in them. It is a challenge, yes, and if you mislead yourself, you could harm your growth. But if you muster up the strength to find the honest value in each lesson, you will live each day serving your growth well.
“Our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world as in being able to remake ourselves.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Resisting the limiting influence of others is not an easy battle. But consider the words of Bruce Lee: when you find yourself in a room surrounded by your enemies you should tell yourself ‘I am not locked in here with you, you are locked in here with me.’ This is the kind of mindset you should have if you want to succeed in life. Get rid of that victim mentality.
You are separate among others for a reason
It may not only be with enemies but wherever you go, people will have an influence over you. Do well to remember, how you choose to uphold yourself will have a great influence over them too. If you muster up the strength to stay true to yourself, especially when you feel the full weight of their influence limiting you, then I have no doubt that you will have a greater impact on those around you.
“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” — Marie Curie
Invest In Your Existence, Kind Reader.
