The Way We Act

Have you ever thought about how you act in public? It's a fascinating aspect of human behavior that we're encouraged to "act" a certain way from the earliest stages of our lives.

From the moment we're born, societal norms dictate that we must present our best selves to the world, often out of a fear of experiencing shame or embarrassment. Consequently, many of us find ourselves behaving in ways that are incongruent with our true feelings. We wear metaphorical masks, engage in pretense, and constantly apologize needlessly to strangers. This perpetual performance can be draining, leaving us feeling disconnected from our authentic selves.

Consider your experiences today. How many times did you find yourself offering apologies for trivial matters or suppressing your true emotions in favor of conforming to societal expectations? It's disheartening to realize that we've internalized the belief that we must apologize for simply existing. Moreover, in situations where our children misbehave in public, we may feel a sense of shame and alter our interactions with them to avoid scrutiny from others, prioritizing avoidance of embarrassment over genuine connection. What's also particularly intriguing is our tendency to automatically assume that strangers perceive us in a negative light. This predisposition often leads to impulsive reactions and a heightened sensitivity to perceived criticism, which needlessly causes arguments, sadness or stress. We do not have to live in this labyrinth of delusion. We can learn to be the cognizant creator of our deepest thoughts and actions.

As Eleanor Roosevelt astutely observed, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Yet, despite this wisdom, many of us allow the opinions of others to dictate our actions and influence our self-worth. Take the next week and observe yourselves. Observe how often you feel uncomfortable at work and in public. Take a few moments to observe how you feel when you think about how others think of you. This introspective exercise can yield valuable insights into your self-perception and behavioral patterns. For those seeking guidance on deepening their self-awareness and forging a more authentic connection with themselves, I warmly invite you to reach out. Together, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the intricacies of human behavior and uncovering the pathways to genuine self-acceptance and fulfillment.