Know who you are

In the late 1st century the venerable philosopher Epictetus wrote, "Know first who you are and what you are capable of." If we are to apply the Golden Rule philosophy (or theology) to others we must first understand who we are in order to understand how we wish to be treated.

Epictetus goes on to remind us that we are always learning and always growing. It is the challenges that we face along the way that help us grow intellectually, physically, mentally, morally and of course spiritually.

When we are not true to who we really are, "you belittle your true self and end up developing in those areas that you would have excelled at quite naturally."

One of those areas who be treating yourself with kindness to develop strength in your personal humanity, get in touch with your inner gentleness and peacefulness, and find a sense of purpose that you might over look. Without this being strengthened within you, how then can it be developed and extended to others?

"Within the divine order, we each have our own special calling. Listen to yours and follow it faithfully."

Epictetus "The Art Of Living: The classic manual on virtue, happiness, and effectiveness." (HarperSanFrancisco: 1995).