In my journey through life, I’ve encountered countless faces, each leaving a unique imprint on my soul. Some were fleeting, like autumn leaves carried away by the wind, while others lingered longer, etching their presence deeply into the fabric of my being. But through all the comings and goings, one thing has remained constant – the reflection staring back at me in the mirror. This simple truth, that the person in the mirror will always be there, has taught me the profound importance of being good to myself.
I learned early on the significance of small but impactful relationships. Growing up in a boarding school from the tender age of six, I was surrounded by a rotating cast of friends and mentors. Each one, in their way, contributed to my growth. Take Mr. R. I. Thornton, for instance. His warmth and wisdom were a beacon of light during my formative years. He wasn’t just the principal of our school; he was a guide, helping us navigate the tumultuous waters of childhood away from home. His patience and encouragement taught most of us to be kind to ourselves, especially when faced with challenges.
Then there were my friends, a lot of them. Our dormitory adventures were the stuff of legends, filled with laughter, mischief, and the occasional deep conversation. It was during one of those rainy days, that we discussed suffering as an inevitable part of life. One of my friends, Joy’s perspective, that it’s okay to feel down sometimes, resonated with me. It was a reminder that self-compassion is crucial, especially when the clouds of life gather overhead.
As I moved through high school, college, and into my job, the lessons of these early relationships stayed with me. I learned the importance of self-reliance and the strength found in solitude. My mid-life crisis was a turning point, a moment when I realized that the journey of life is solitary at its core. Friends and family provide support, but ultimately, we walk our paths alone. This realization wasn’t a source of despair but of empowerment. It taught me to find strength within myself and to embrace solitude as a companion rather than a foe.
In the professional world, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many talented individuals. My twelve years in the banking sector introduced me to a diverse array of people, each with their unique strengths and perspectives. Collaborating with such brilliant minds often triggered feelings of imposter syndrome. But instead of succumbing to self-doubt, I chose to learn from these experiences. I respected the greatness in others and used it to stimulate my growth, always reminding myself to be good to the person in the mirror.
One particularly challenging experience was navigating favoritism in the workplace. It wasn’t uncommon to see colleagues playing favorites and talking negative about you, leveraging their influence in ways that could transform lives, especially in a government undertaking sector like mine. These situations were frustrating, but they also taught me invaluable lessons about self-worth and resilience. I learned to assess situations objectively, build genuine relationships with peers, and enhance my performance without compromising my integrity. Most importantly, I learned to support myself emotionally, maintaining control over my reactions and staying true to my values.
In my personal life, love and heartbreak have also been profound teachers. The girl who couldn’t express her love, knowing it would break both our hearts, taught me the value of cherishing memories and finding joy in the happiness of others. Her story is a testament to the importance of being gentle with ourselves, even when our hearts are heavy with unspoken words and unrealized dreams.
Outings, that I often make time for with friends like Joy and Ujjwal has been another source of joy and self-discovery. The camaraderie and shared adventures in nature have reinforced the importance of living fully and appreciating the beauty around us. These experiences remind me that life is meant to be lived, not just endured.
Writing about overcoming the depressive situations in a rapidly evolving life has further solidified my belief in the power of self-compassion. Sharing my journey with others, whether through blogs, LinkedIn posts, or life coaching sessions, has been incredibly fulfilling. It has allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level and to remind them, as I remind myself, to be good to the person in the mirror.
The journey of life is filled with a myriad of relationships, each teaching us something valuable. But through it all, the most important relationship we have is with ourselves. People will come and go, but the person in the mirror will be there forever. So, be good to yourself. Embrace your strengths, acknowledge your weaknesses, and always treat yourself with the kindness and respect you deserve. Because at the end of the day, you are your own constant companion, and being good to yourself is the greatest gift you can give to yourself.
