Reflections
As I look at the people in my life, I realize something: each person, is somewhat a reflection of yourself.
When your character develops over time, it’s influenced by the people you work with, the friends you hang out with, and the enemies you detest.
How you interact with your colleagues, is reflected by the work ethics and values you believe in. Whether these values are in sync, or clashes with each other, determines how your relationship with them will be like, and how you will react to them.
The friends you hang out with, are a reflection of your personal character. A side, that you are comfortable with and willing to reveal to the inner circle, will be molded along the way to fit the style that works best for the friendship. Over the years, I’ve seen myself entrenched into various group of friends. Some have questionable morals similar to mine, while others keep me firmly down-to-earth and be less of an asshole to others.
The enemies that I’ve made over the years, are a reflection of where I’ve gone wrong, and how these people have wronged me. Most importantly, these people are a reflection of what I will never wish to be. And in the process, it serves as a benchmark for me to go against, to be more wary of my own actions and know my limits.
Conversations with friends have brought me to this point. As I look at people who share the same ethos as me, or those who agree to disagree with me, I find myself wondering how I’m perceived in their eyes. In doing so, how do they treat me as a person?
Life, if it was anywhere simple, should be followed with this principle: treat others in the way you wish to be treated. Yet, each person has a different way of handling relationships. Different people, different strokes. If life was simple, we wouldn’t have to put ourselves in their shoes, even if the shoe doesn’t fit us.
Still, I believe “do unto others, what others do unto you” is the most basic value a person should ever follow. As much as possible, disregard how others treat you, so long as you do right by them. Be answerable to no one, but your own conscience, and you should navigate through life with minimal bumps.
