Know Thyself


This series of blogs are focused on domestic abuse.  For the next 5/6 days I will be sharing some insights into how to protect our children and young people from forming lasting bonds with people who are not good for them.

"If I knew then, what I know now..." is a statement that I hear people say about their knowledge gained from life experiences.  When said about your own identity, the statement could read something like this.  'If I knew then, what I know now, about who I really am, I would never have...'  I've had this thought a lot over the past few years, but in order to rise above the regressive grasps of regret, I quickly replace the thought with, "all things are working out for my good."

I have learnt to take seemingly negative thoughts, deconstruct them and turn them into something positive and useful.  So, I have made it my mini-mission to pique the curiosity of as many people as possible, into exploring and discovering their identity.  My journey of self-exploration started too late to avoid domestic abuse, so I am committed to ensuring that as many people as possible know themselves culturally, domestically, sexually, economically, socially, spiritually, intellectually and more.  When you know your strengths and weaknesses in each of these areas, then you'll have a better idea of the kinds of people to allow into your circles.  For example, I am very evaluative, so I tend to be the friend who will call you out for self-destructive habits like over-working.  Therefore, people who think that they're God's gift to humanity and accept compliments and praise, without also accepting constructive critique, won't gain the benefit of my time, energy and attention.

Domestic abuse is one of those crimes that can creep up on people over time without them realising it; this is why I take a zero tolerance approach to toxic behaviour.  I don't have time for it.  I'm too busy living my life to the full with the knowledge that I have gained about who I am.  Getting to know myself is a life-long journey that requires self-care, patience and consistency.  The rewards, however are instant - confidence, peace and protection from relational bondage.
💜

Dr. Monica is available to meet your learning organisation's training and consultancy needs. Contact her at vineacademy2024@gmail.com.

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