We each have our unique strengths and ways of being in the world. And often this leads us to focus on developing in certain areas, while neglecting others. Maturity often calls us to learn how to embrace our opposite as well as our strengths.
Naturally, we gravitate toward those things we do well and tend to keep doing more of the same. And this serves us well in many respects – developing talents and abilities to make an impact for good.
But sometimes our singular focus leads us to overextend ourselves and our strength now becomes a liability.
For instance, we risk growing in bitterness and resentment when we’re the only ones pouring into others without also receiving.
Embracing our opposite here is then learning how to also receive. This is not to stop our giving, but simply to better balance it with also receiving strength and life from others.
For those who desire constant social contact, embracing their opposite might mean practicing times of solitude. And for those who are more reserve, their opposite might mean intentionally engaging in more social encounters.
For both, cultivating their opposite allows them to counterbalance their natural tendencies and keeps them from missing important realities they would likely be blind to otherwise.
Likewise, we might practice remaining quiet if we’re always the first ones to speak, or speaking up if we tend to remain quiet. And we might choose to engage in more physical activities if we spend all day in our heads, or slowing down and reading a book if we’re always on the go.
In the end, embracing our opposite is not giving up on our natural talents, gifts, and abilities. It’s simply being intentional about staying well rounded and balanced.
Learn to practice embracing your opposite – keeping your strengths from becoming overextended and out of balance.
