“Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them; but do not let them master you. Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight.” – Helen Keller
Over time I have become more keenly aware of my shortcomings — both real and perceived. In the past, my desire to overcome them or overcompensate for them has defined many of my interactions with others. Sensing or knowing I had certain weaknesses created a situation where I was determined not to let others see or discover them. I would focus on covering up my flaws by overemphasizing what I believed were my strengths. Instead of shielding them from others, I inadvertently ended up projecting my insecurities and failed to present a balanced, confident, inviting personality.
This is what ego will do to a person. Our ego looks to protect us from that which may potentially hurt us. Unfortunately, in an overzealous attempt to protect us from danger our ego inadvertently does more harm than good.
No one is perfect. No one has ever been perfect. Everyone has baggage, fears, flaws, failings and shortcomings. Everyone also brings an amazing collection of skills, talents, gifts, and abilities to any interaction.
Understanding, accepting, and embracing what you lack, provides you the humility to accept yourself for who you are. It also inspires you to embrace, in its totality, the unique gift that is you. Accepting, embracing, and celebrating the uniqueness of self, empowers you to also recognize and engage the uniqueness of those around you. In a state of conscious humility, you are positioned to let go of fear, judgement, and negative energy toward yourself and others; and, you find yourself in that amazing place where you can inspire, encourage, and support others to be their incredibly talented and unique self.
Instead of thinking about what you are not, what you lack, what you wish you had or could do or be, embrace your strengths alongside your weaknesses in their totality for they are — part of the formula that defines a uniquely, cool you. In your comfortable confidence, you will draw others toward you, celebrate their complimentary strengths, and create a collaborative, powerful collection of other uniquely cool people.
Great accomplishments, innovations, and breakthroughs are usually most feasible when a collection of unique individuals band together to encourage, support, inspire, and create. Practice humility. Love who you are. Embrace all that you offer. Encourage those around you to celebrate and enjoy the same emotions. You will change your world in very powerful ways.
