Feedback and Reflection

We do a lot of things in a search for understanding. Whether we want to see things through others' eyes or simply to be understood ourselves. The world gives us infinite amounts of input designed to guide and protect us. Our friends, enemies, colleagues, and family provide us with advice and reactions designed to direct our behavior. The important thing to keep in mind is that this guidance all comes from their frame of reference and their personal reality. We do not have a responsibility to validate their reality by altering our own. When you get feedback, think it over, reflect. Choose what you acccept, what you reject, and what you will act upon. No matter how much you respect the person delivering the message, take it under advisement and review how it fits. You are the only person protecting you from the resentment and frustration of trying to be something you aren't just to make someone else happy. Reflection does not require direct feedback from people around and not everyone that gives you feedback is trying to change you. They key is to pay attention and make your own decisions. The world gives us cues about our state that merit a response. Slow down enough to let your environment speak to you, sort out the junk and act in harmony with your higher self.