Most people know what they do. Far fewer understand why they do it. Self-Discovery or Knowing Yourself, Is Crucial For Personal Growth Self-discovery is the process of gaining knowledge and understanding about oneself, including one's thoughts, feelings, beliefs, values, strengths, weaknesses, and experiences. It involves exploring your inner self to gain greater self-awareness and insight into your identity, purpose, and potential. Self-discovery includes self-reflection, self- awareness, and self- acceptance.              Some of the benefits that come with this knowledge include your ability to make better decisions, to feel better about yourself and who you are (notice the “who” and not the “what”). This better relationship with yourself will allow you to be a better person to others, to determine your value and goals, and, last -and indeed not least- to better handle difficult moments.   Common obstacles to self-discovery,...

There is no quote to share, no wise words from a philosopher of the past or present, nor an epiphany that illuminates the mind, transforming it into a brilliant burst of multicolored hues. I am staring at what should be a simple blank computer screen, but instead, in my mind’s eye, I see a beautiful pond surrounded by flowers and shrubs, nestled in a small valley where animals and trees complete the serene image. This is my very own virtual place where I go when I want some peace and some thinking space. Where some of these writings have come to life and where my mind feels totally at ease and empowered to do just that … roam, think, create, suggest, discard, accept. There I sit, with my feet in the cool water while my head flies. Yesterday, I was barely fifteen and arriving in a strange land, where people looked the same, but spoke and acted in a way I was not used to. Where everything was similar, yet very different. Now, suddenly, I am marching to my 80 th birthday. A daunting,...