Finding Your Ideal Self

An ideal is something to strive for, not to expect to become. However much I try to, I realize I will never become my ideal; it is rather about trying to come as close as possible to that shining image.

My ideal is not likely to be the same as yours. Still, I'd say that it is good practice to describe the ideal person to ourselves so that we may find the path, so that every day you come closer to embody this ideal; to become formidable according to your values.

When describing the ideal person, it is wise to think of it in terms of important and respectable values to you, values you would be proud to embody, values such as you would respect for other people who hold them.

To ask oneself questions such as "how would then the ideal version of me act?" and "What are respectable values to hold according to me?"

Okay, rather than just writing about it, here's how I went about drafting qualities I want my ideal to embody. Remember that self-help articles and books are only helpful if you actually put theory to practice.

My "ideal" person would be patient, confident, and mindful. Naturally, the image I have of this ideal is ever changing, and there are many more values to ascribe, but for now, I'll be focusing on these three aspects.

Patience What does it mean to me to be patient; for words carry different meanings for different individuals. To me, it is about being patient with oneself and letting things take their time.

I like to see it as caring for a seed. If you want to improve a skill, instead of being angry at yourself and giving up - thinking it futile, practice every day, and you will become better with time; the seed will grow.

But it is also about being patient with others, accepting that everyone makes mistakes. The bus is late? Does a friend do something foolish? Well, are we going to be angry at the bus driver or our friend? Yeah, we could, but what good does it do? Instead, one can practice patience.

Confidence What does it mean to me to be confident? Well, one part of it is to stand tall and speak up in accordance with what one believes in, unafraid of facing rebuke.

But it is also about being confident and brave enough to accept and admit to yourself and others that you are not all-knowing; not clinging onto beliefs merely because you are afraid of being in the wrong.

Mindfulness When I think of being mindful - at least the version to which I strive to reach, then this is in part about being open to new perspectives.

Not to think of ourselves as people who know all there is to know, but rather as someone who is always seeking to expand horizons.

Naturally, we have a way in which we perceive things, but we may differ regarding the degree to which we will accept new ways of seeing things in our lives. For it is difficult to accept over one truth, but I believe that much of which people say has at the very least a speck of truth; I want to collect these specks of truth to construct a complete picture of the world and phenomena within.

Also, mindfulness for me is to be grateful and appreciative of the present moment. It means to savor it whilst one still can, for we exist in this very moment in the realm of space and time.

One of my core beliefs is that we have but borrowed life from nature and that the energy which of the body comprises will one day have to be returned to nature as soil, continuing the cycle of life.

Therefore, I'd very much like to savor life through this wonderful gift I have been given rather than take things for granted, always wanting more, as seems to be a great curse of humankind.

Now it is your turn - What's your ideal person?