Know Thyself

"Know thyself" - Socrates 

A new year has arrived, accompanied by new expectations, and, of course, new resolutions. In our glossy optimism, we set ourselves up for success, drafting lists and setting milestones so that we can achieve even more than last year. Regardless of our careful efforts, our best intentions may become our most haunting failures. We hide from our abandoned and forsaken goals under a blanket of denial. Sometimes, blinded by the allure of a better future, we fail to acknowledge our limitations.

The door to our dreams is hinged with poignant memories, important relationships, and hopes for days to come. This portal needs regular maintenance. If we consider our imperfections, we are more likely to understand why we failed. We can then change our ways, challenge our faults, and accomplish what we set out to do. In order to fully reach our destinations, we need to preserve our personal relationships with kindness and generosity. In this way, we not only practice gratitude but we also ensure the support of our loved ones. Sharing our goals with our friends reinforces our plans, thereby helping us take responsibility for our futures and mend the paths to our intentions.

For the new year,  before taking on ambitious resolutions, we should exercise reflection and humility. We should accept the challenge to know ourselves.