Self-actualization is the process of becoming and actualizing our potential by utilizing our strengths and consequently finding our purpose in life. Self-realization is the awareness of oneself as a whole unique person with strengths and weaknesses, gifts and inferiorities. Many of us lose ourselves in the process of striving for acceptance and survival in our family and culture. We repress what we learn is unacceptable about ourselves to achieve the love and approval of our parents and superiors. If we haven’t experienced unconditional love we will have difficulty with self-acceptance and if we have strayed too far from our personal life path we will be living an inauthentic life. Our feelings are our own internal compass which guide us to self-actualisation. But many of us have learned to ignore our feelings and value the feelings of others. We sacrificed individuality for conformity.
John Gallagher © 2019
John Gallagher 