DEFINING YOURSELF

How do people define themselves? Some do so with words. They may say, “ I am a seeker,” or “I am a healer,” or “ I am a good friend” and so on, but what is they are less than truthful? They may claim to be compassionate, only to exhibit a mean streak; they may claim to be trustworthy, only to betray your trust.

Perhaps they can be defined by their thoughts. This can be more accurate than what they say. For instance, someone who claims to be a salesman may think of himself as a predator. But what if someone thinks of himself as courageous, but turns out to be cowardly when the going gets rough?

The Tao of self-definition, therefore, is not based on what you say or think about yourself. Instead, it is based on what you do. You are a seeker only if you are constantly seeking. You are a healer only if you bring others back to health. You are a good friend only if you consistently play that role. The ways you affect others determine your true identity. Your actions, speaking louder than words and thoughts, become the definitive definition of who you really are.

The Tao Today

How do you define yourself? What are the words and thoughts of your self-definition? Are they consistent with what you do? Are your actions worthy of your noblest aspirations? What are the actions you can take today to substantiate or even enhance your definition of yourself?

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin