In our busy, fast-paced lives, do we ever take time for introspection? According to Merriam-Webster, introspection is: a reflective looking inward: an examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings. The Oxford Dictionary of English defines introspection as: the examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes. Do you ever take time to do this?
“When do we take time to turn our attention away from the outward to a reflective look inward?”
We are often looking outward; at other people, our circumstances, the daily news. These are things we need to look at, as we need to be aware of the world around us. But when do we take time to turn our attention away from the outward to a reflective look inward? When do we take time to take a thoughtful, deliberative look at who we truly are; at our strengths and our weaknesses, at our aspirations and goals, at our moral beliefs?
I believe for many people, there is a fear of doing this. Whenever we look in a mirror, we always see our beautiful face, but we are bound to also see a blemish here and there. No one wants to see a blemish on their face, and by the same token, no one wants to see a blemish in their life or in their character. But if blemishes are there, ignoring them won’t make them go away. In order to have a balanced image of ourselves and achieve a balanced life, we have to continually look within ourselves to get to know ourselves better and embrace and appreciate who we are. Acknowledge and appreciate the beauty within ourselves and acknowledge and confront the blemishes. And then…within ourselves, we can make corrections, make changes, make improvements and realize true personal growth.
Ron Richardson 
Such an awesome and powerful post, Ron! Writing and keeping a journal have always been cathartic and therapeutic for me. During the years I was terribly bullied in school, writing was what kept me sane! Thank you so much for posting!
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