Do you believe in what you know about yourself or what other people say you are?
Looking at what matters between what we think about ourselves and what others think about us, it is a discussion that goes a long way with different people taking varied stands. Mahatma Ghandi’s saying that advises us to look at ourselves in other people’s eyes is an individual’s perspective which is open to criticism. I strongly believe that it is key for one to know themselves and work on what they believe in and stand for, because we are all created to fulfil different purposes separate from other people’s.
Letting people tell us what we ought to be or do is a toxic state of being which makes people stretch beyond their ability. As stated earlier, we are created to fulfil different purposes in life. This way, someone may have already identified their purpose and is successfully working towards fulfilling it. On the other hand, if the same person expects you to be exactly like them, you might end up missing the point. Your abilities and ambitions may not be in sync. Take for example someone born to be a philanthropist, and has successfully started a charity organisation, doing so well. This person nurturing a medic and wanting them to rather be a philanthropist is almost impossible since their callings are different. The medic trying to be a philanthropist will lead a frustrated life and feel unfulfilled in the end.
Out rightly asking others to tell us who they think we are ends up more harmful than helpful. Sarahah App of 2015 left most teenagers broken (Pucci, 2017). A lot was unveiled about them, some which was true and others were lies. The App ended up being banned following lots criticism. The 2020 craze on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using Kubool App where people ask their networks to anonymously tell them who they think they are has left users wishing that they never asked others to tell them who they are because the feedback is more demeaning than glorifying.
It is what we think about us that matters. It is very okay to understand your purpose and run towards fulfilling it because that is what you were created for. Many people may not understand who you really are unless you live to be you and do what you believe in. This gives you a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment in life.