It takes a lifetime, or longer, to see ourselves clearly. We are bombarded at an early age about our potential, the opportunities before us, and the success waiting for us to claim. In our child-raising years, our lack of time steals any chance we have for reflection on what we now need to do because we are so busy doing.
As we age something beautiful begins to appear. Things begin to make sense. That in all aspects of life, we need others to help complete us. What do I mean by this?
We all have strengths and weaknesses. We sometimes apply them correctly but many times we do not. There is a lot to know in this world. There simply is a lot of things we don’t know. As I have said over and over, we are more flawed than we think.
To complete ourselves is to become the very best person we can be. To achieve as much as our talent allows. That the expression of our being, though a lifetime, helps us reach a level of satisfaction where things feel like they are in sync. Where we are pleased with our effort and outcomes.
Maturity becomes a great lever in one’s life when we begin to understand that to complete ourselves we need others. In many religions love of others, strangers, and enemies is a basic value that they teach. Surrounding yourself with smart people is a saying you hear over and over. Why? Because you need others to fill in for your weaknesses to make your ideas and your vision of tomorrow real.
Our health is tied to the observation and analysis of doctors. Our relationships with friends help in providing us with joy when they are deep and engaged. Deep love for our mate and our children brings an energy that can never be created by ourselves.
Reading a book or listening to a lecture, involve our connection to others in order to complete ourselves. To make us more whole by learning something new.
Yes, there is the continual internal struggle we each face with discipline, managing our emotions, and courage. Important but not of value by themselves. Completing ourselves demands our connection with others. In so many ways and in so many areas of our lives.
Withdrawing from the world of relationships is dangerous. Immersing ourselves in relationships (and seeking them out when we are not able to get traction) is the best chance we have of completing ourselves to be the best person we can be.