This line often quoted from Hamlet brings a bit of introspection to anyone reading it. I know it certainly does me. I think often times we are caught up in the world and the meaninglessness that it holds. We forget that we short change ourselves of truth. Not the trite phrases of truth but the honest look yourself in the mirror and know that you are true to yourself. So what are some ways that we can be true to ourselves?
First, and most importantly I would have to say it is being honest with yourself. Honesty with one’s self can seem like an obvious way to be true to yourself but I have to say that I think it is highly over looked. I believe we as humans have a tendency to either under value or over value ourselves in various aspects of our lives. If we struggle in an area of life do we take this inventory serious or is it swept under the rug of “I’m doing well enough.” If we truly excel in an area of life do we accept praise accordingly or do we shrug it off and feign humility.
Second, I think being true to ourselves means taking responsibility for our actions. If you hurt someone do you apologize and ask for forgiveness? What about when someone offends you, do you accept their apologies and forgive them accordingly? Do you forgive others even when they aren’t penitent? When you make a bad choice do you do all that is in your power to rectify the situation or you hope that it will “take care of its self”.
Third, are we true with our interactions with others? When we are presented with an opportunity to build someone up even when it does not profit us, do we build accordingly or do take no thought but for ourselves? When someone greets us and our typical question is, “how are you?” do we answer honestly in the reciprocating question? Do we treat others with the same respect that we desire to be treated with?
Finally, truth is not relative. Unfortunately there are many people that believe that just because they don’t want to believe something or because they do want to believe something that their belief makes it true. Just because you believe that illicit drugs aren’t bad doesn’t mean that they aren’t. There are certain physiological responses in the body and these process’ are altered when foreign chemicals are introduced. Your belief doesn’t change what happens inside you. Having pre-marital sexual relations is inherently wrong. No amount of belief is going to change that two parents are better than one, that there would be less disease if the procreative powers were held only between a woman and a man within the bonds of marriage. Truth is universal no matter what your “belief” is, and being true to yourself isn’t something that should be changing with the rising of the sun. To be true at all times and in all things is a cause worthy of pursuing.
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