There are 8 billion people on the planet. Which also means that there are 8 billion versions of each one of us that exist in this world. 8 billion opinions about us, 8 billion judgements, 8 billion ways how people think of us.
For everyone judges us from their own filters, own conditioning, own programming, own beliefs, own prejudices, measurement of their own lives and most importantly, how much they are aware of themselves.
The thing is, we also judge others the same way. From our own measures and unresolved parts.
What others think about us has very little to do about us. And vice-versa.
So before we judge, let's know ourselves at a deeper level. Self-awareness is a beautiful friend.
But self-awareness is not knowing that you like rajma chawal more than tinda. It's knowing why you alienate people when they spill the beans about someone's life. Why do lies and deceit boil you over? Self awareness is a deep understanding of ourselves, our strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs.
Self-awareness is not about simply not liking someone because they are loud, opinionated and pompous. It's about taking a deep dive into your own being to know when was it that you were forced to suppress your own views and become meek and small to get the love at home. Question the origins of such beliefs, their motivations to be loud, yours to be judgemental.
Self-awareness is not about having a low opinion about someone who never tries hard and spends his days devoted to laziness and nothingness. It's time to question your own biases and challenge them. What has turned you into a go-getter beyond repair so much that taking it easy makes you lose your sanity. Is it a deep desire to let go of the responsibilities, the need to be calm as well?
Self-awareness is acknowledging our own limitations. It's about being in tune with our emotions to be able to identify and express them appropriately. It's about taking responsibility for our thoughts and behaviours.
Self awareness allows us to navigate through life with purpose and authenticity and puts out judgements of others on the back burner as we expect others to hold on to their beliefs about us.
It's a two way street.
