Sometimes we’re too close to our story to see clearly. We’re blindsided and don’t understand why. And it often takes someone outside of ourselves to help us to see clearly and interpret correctly.
By definition we cannot see our blind spots. And we all have them, regardless of how introspective we might be otherwise.
Of course, it’s good for us to regularly reflect on the state of our inner world. How is our heart these days? And what hidden motivations are fueling our thoughts and driving our behaviors?
To be sure, there’s much we can discover by spending this time beneath the waterline of our souls.
At the same time, there is still much we will miss without an outside perspective.
For example, we don’t always know the impact we have on others without them first letting us know. We make assumptions based on our limited perspectives while missing their lived reality in relationship with us.
It’s their insights that allow us to know more about ourselves.
We might discover how much we’ve been unintentionally demanding or how much our passivity has hurt those around us. And we might also discover we’re more courageous and helpful than we’ve given ourselves credit for.
Likewise, often we just get stuck in our own heads – repeating the same lies over and over. And we’re not even aware of the stories we’re telling ourselves. It often takes someone else to hear our story to point out what we’ve missed.
Sometimes this rightly humbles our pride, while at other times it quiets our inner critic.
Either way, we need others to help us to see ourselves more accurately.
And without these outside perspectives our blind spots are ripe to take us out.
Discover the freedom and joy of letting others in and getting outside of yourself.
Photo by Nicolas Lobos on Unsplash
