“You possess a kind of inner force that seeks to guide you toward your Life’s Task - what you are meant to accomplish in the time that you have to live..."
-Robert Greene, Mastery
"In childhood this force was clear to you. It directed you toward activities and subjects that fit your natural inclinations, that sparked a curiosity that was deep and primal. In the intervening years, the force tends to fade in and out as you listen more to parents and peers, to the daily anxieties that wear away at you.
This can be the source of your unhappiness - your lack of connection to who you are and what makes you unique.
The first move toward mastery is always inward...
learning who you really are and reconnecting with that innate force.
It is never too late to start the process.”
- Robert Greene, Mastery
What and how we teach children and young people about themselves and the world is a sacred process. I have seen too many kids begin to believe that something is wrong with them because of messages they’ve received by people in their early environments, in society, at school or on social media. This lack of belief in ourselves continues into adulthood unless we find ways to update our own beliefs, and we find people who believe in us.
I think too many people in the world are lacking the presence of someone who truly sees them for who they are, who sees and acknowledges and understands their brilliance and unique genius. The world misses out on what so many people have to offer because of this. I also think many dysfunctional behaviors we see in people today are related to not having someone in their life who believed in them.
As young children, we try and fail and try and fail at some of the biggest, most complex tasks we could ever think of attempting: walking, talking, maneuvering these bodies in the physical realm. We don’t stop trying to walk and talk just because it feels like a struggle. We only internalize beliefs about that later. In that sense, there is a deep knowing that we are brave and fascinating and capable of dazzling others with our gifts and strengths and power. When someone doesn’t see that in us, there is an internal confusion… We know we are powerful and brave and good, yet somehow the people around us may not see that.
nannying and being silly in NYC
One way we can resolve those conflicts within us is to extend what we needed as kids to those around us. In doing so, we get to see what happens when someone receives what we needed. That lets us know we are the source of it and capable of accessing it when we want. We re-parent ourselves.
Everyone around you has an aspect of them that is still that inner child and who may not have heard a message as they were growing up to help them believe in themselves. There’s an opportunity for you to be someone who sees them in a way that can help them recognize their own inner strength, goodness and power. I’m grateful beyond words for the people who have entered my life who believed in me even at times where my light of belief in myself was flickering and fading.
neuroscience lab I built with my nephew
I’m grateful for leaders who continue to shine their light no matter what others might be doing to try to dim it. Who walk their talk and who are willing to go against status quo, to lead people in new directions that are not yet pre-approved of or popular with the masses. The children of today need people who are willing to do that, who are willing to stay true to their vision, mission, purpose and values no matter what gets thrown their way.
What helps us do that is a belief in our own power, brilliance and goodness. What can help us reach even greater heights is having at least one other person who believes in us too.
With Love From Me to You
xoxo Stefanie
#selfmastery #passion #mission #purpose #resilience #dontgiveup #endurance #longtermvision #nerd #uniquegenius #mindset #underthehood_ie #teammg #gratefulforyou #morethanwords
me and my brother - love those 80's photos and decor
Some of my childhood curiosities and inclinations: recording "N.E.R.D. radio” on a cassette player - where i interviewed imaginary world leaders and scientists, reading books, camping, road trips (especially long ones to national parks and listening to music along the way), traveling to other countries, singing on swingsets, singing in choirs, playing recorder, flute and piccolo, running around the neighborhood until dark (and sometimes getting in trouble because I went soooo far lol), drawing, developing photos in a dark room, gymnastics, soccer, anything to do with animals, nature, kids, babies, trees, baby-sitting, playing legos - especially building houses and star wars scenes (I very much wanted to be Princess Leia, travel in the Millenium Falcon and be one of the Supreme Commanders of the Rebel Alliance). ✨
What are some of yours?
