Things you must know about yourself

 
                     By Bayo Ogunmupe
       Here are truths you must understand that will make you excel. One, there is a life-force within your soul which is a spark from the Supreme Intelligence. You might have been taught from childhood to look outside of yourself for salvation. However, from that divine spark within, you can gain all the answers needed for a life more abundant. So, always seek inside of you for solutions. Two, you know more than you think. Your heart and soul are a lot wiser than you think. This is so because they have been alive here from time immemorial. They know everything about you, your path in life and about all the wonderful things you are capable of being, doing and having.
       And if you could just cultivate the habit of conversing with your soul via meditation; listening, trusting and following the guidance of your heart and the wisdom of your intuition. You will discover that the answers you were once seeking were within yourself. Three, you were not created to live in a box. Your nature is gregarious, flexible, fluid and expansive. Your perception is greater than reality. You are more precious and valuable than all the labels heaped on you until now and all the labels that may be placed on you in the future.
       When you define yourself, you put yourself in a box to conform to elicit ideas of who you are and how you should live. You deny yourself the right to realize your full human potential. You deny yourself the right to become all you  can be. Four, but you are not a finished product. You are constantly changing, growing and evolving; taking new forms and shapes: becoming something new each day. That is why it is important for you to be flexible at all times. You must be open to change. You must allow yourself to be who life needs you to be; not who you think you should be.
       Always remember that the more a thing tends to be permanent, the more it tends to be lifeless. When you try to shine, you dim your inner light. Tao Te Ching says:"He who stands tiptoe doesn't stand firm. He who rushes ahead  doesn't go far. He who tries to shine dims his own light. He who defines himself can't know who he really is"- Lao Tzu, the Chinese philosopher and compiler of the Buddhist holy book, who lived in the 6th century Before the Christian Era (BCE).
       Five, you came to this world shining like a star. Though you might have forgotten how valuable you actually are; you could just do without trying to prove your value to others, you will eventually allow your light to be seen, valued and appreciated. You will no longer depend on others to confirm that you are worthwhile. Six, your worth cannot be verified by others, that will only be determined  by history. Other people cannot determine your worth, since most people have no idea how valuable they themselves are.
       Most people allow places, people and circumstances determine how much they are worth; and so they judge you as being worthy. based on the same criteria; not knowing that these things have nothing to do with your value and self-worth. Make sure you don't fall into the trap of thinking that who you are is not enough and that you need other people's approval, love and validation. Never allow external forces, places, people or circumstances determine how much you are worth.
       Decide for yourself, which is why it is self-worth, not other worth. Self-worth cannot be verified, so never depend on others for your value. Seven, you don't have to compare or compete with anyone. The life you will create and the person you were born to be are unique. Since your path is different, there is no need to compare or compete with anyone. No need to be better than anyone. When you are content to be yourself, everybody will respect you.
        Eight, you have your own unique path to walk in life. Even though you might be tempted at times to imitate and follow the herd; to do what everybody else does, please don't. Insist on yourself; never imitate, every champion is unique. Embrace your uniqueness. Nine, you are never alone, wherever you are. Your heart and soul are always with you, guiding,inspiring, protecting you and making sure you loved and cared for. Moreover, your guardian and legions of other angels are waiting for you to ask for their guidance. That my friend, is something no one can take from you.