Our World Needs Your Best Self Right Now
Why do we always seem to get in our own way?
What is it that stands between our reality and the dream of our best, higher self?
Turns out, a lot.
We are flawed human beings, you and me. Even the most self-disciplined among us fail at times. We cave to the snooze button, that bowl of ice cream or sumptuous chocolate bar, the tendency to wade into procrastination activities galore. Or, we don’t exercise today — we’ll get back at that tomorrow, promise.
We also mess up on the relational front. Talk foot-in-mouth, not just once but sometimes several times in any given day. Even the most socially astute among us get it wrong sometimes.
And sometimes, we even do so with intent (in any of the above).
That gap between the reality of who we are and our higher self is not something we can ever overcome permanently, I believe.
But we can discover momentum and ride on it. And that is what I want to share about today.
Reasons Why Your Best Self Matters
Briefly, here are three reasons why your best self matters:
1 | Our world needs your contribution.
Right now, so many people are looking for someone they can follow, someone they can trust. Are you a trustworthy person? If so, this world needs your input.
Whether that be in the form of writing, art, creativity, entrepreneurship, technology, volunteerism, scholarly endeavors, science, athletics, public service— contribution is the key.
What can you contribute to make this world a better place?
2 | The future of our world needs level-headed leadership & engagement.
Our polarized world needs voices of reason. Right now, our world seems to be growing increasingly polarized. I know this is true in the U.S. The gaps seem to be growing. How can you become a “radical moderate?”
This term sounds strange. But my husband coined it recently. He told me, “People seem so bent on being red or blue, moving towards the extremes. I simply want to be someone who brings people together and helps them understand each other. You know, a ‘radical moderate.’”
It’s radical because not enough people are practicing it. And it takes work and commitment. It is not copping out. Rather, it’s active, level-headed engagement. Our world needs this so much right now.
3 | You get better as you become part of the solution, not the problem.
Okay, I stole it from Ghandi. But it’s as relevant today as it was in his time. Timeless.
Enough people on the right side of the equation means we can tip the scales. We cannot be responsible for everyone; we can only be responsible for ourselves.
But we can inspire and motivate others. We can be that light.
This can be tough because, frankly, life is hard. We all encounter seasons of struggle. And during those times, it’s easy to become inward focused.
And, while there may be times when there are legitimate reasons to focus inward (or simply within one’s family), we need to distinguish if we’re using that as a excuse towards inaction.
An Example of Choosing Outward Focus
Elena, a friend of mine, has struggles galore. This is true on the health front as she and her husband are now pushing 70.
But about five years ago, when most would choose to retire, Elena realized there was still more for her to do. She made a conscientious decision to finish strong.
Elena started her own nonprofit, Elizabeth’s Library, helping underserved communities in Africa get access to educational opportunities and other resources to improve their well being.
Just recently they completed a well project in Zambia, bringing fresh water to a community there. Next comes the library. And Elena is excited and motivated about all this. In so many ways, it is keeping her young.
Elena is an example of how we actually become better when we choose to become part of the solution. Remaining active and vital well into old age actually helps people age well.
And, while we know the benefits of exercise and social activity, I’m talking here more about purpose and contribution.
Warning: This is Not About You Becoming “A Big Deal”
Now here’s a word of caution: Activity is not the pursuit. Nor is achievement, fame or glory. Rather, the pursuit is meaningful, lasting contribution. And it doesn’t have to be stress-laden, hustle-without-humility contribution.
Rather, the pursuit is based on a deep trust — a faith you are right where you’ve been designed you to be. When you are there, it feels so right and sure, light and beautiful.
Some of the Ways We Get in Our Way
Truth is, unfortunately, too many people choose to check out of life too early. Sometimes they decide life has given them a bad deal. (And, maybe it has. Still, there is always a silver lining, if we really pay attention.)
Some are angry deep down. That anger often wells up from a pain so deep they may have buried it long ago.
And sometimes, from this place, it’s easy to fall into addictive behaviors that consume heart, mind, body and soul.
Others feel they’ve already done “their fair share” by 65 (sometimes earlier), so they deserve to “do what they want to when they want to” now. Period. No questions asked.
And yet some people simply believe their physical limitations justify them to choose the path of least resistance.
I get that. Disclaimer: I haven’t gotten to 65 yet. And I do understand how our energy levels can decline in older age. I don’t want to minimize that.
Choosing to Go the Distance
Still. As long as we breathe, we have capacity for positive change and impact. Even from a room in hospice care.
“I’m not done till I’m done,” Claire Jennings, an elderly neighbor and earthly (now heavenly) saint told me years ago. She moved into a retirement home early, when her husband needed extra care.
“It’s my ministry now, caring for these older people,” she declared. She was around 65 at the time. She met her final days in hospice care at an adjacent facility in her early 90’s. I watched her still caring for her caregivers till her dying day. Such an inspiration.
What Does This Mean for You?
There can be no question — holding onto hope, sprinkled with humility and rooted in healthy, balanced expectation, you really can become better. Physically, sometimes. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually quite possibly.
Like Claire, you have a mind to contribute. Until your dying day or until you’re so completely incapacitated you cannot.
No matter where we are in life — with all our flaws, struggles and deficits — we can manage to bring our best self to the table.
We can choose to use our contraints and limitations to shape us into people who continue to dream, grow, move ahead and positively affect change. Every day.
Will you choose this day to embrace and give the world your best self?
Our world needs this. It needs your best you.
Copyright 2018 © by Caroline DePalatis. All rights reserved.
This is Day 18 of my 333 Writing Challenge (30-days, 300+ words, 3-points), inspired by fellow writer Dene Ward. (1,219 words today.)
My passion is to make the world a better place. If you share that wish, check out our free ebook and join our growing movement!
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