What Have you done for YOU lately?...The Importance of Knowing Thyself

Hey there, Goddess!

Ever heard the saying "Know thyself"? It’s one of those timeless quotes that goes way back to ancient Greek philosophy, and it’s honestly been living rent-free in my head for a while now. I mean, think about it — how often do we actually sit down and really get to know ourselves? I’m not talking about your favorite food or whether you're an early bird or a night owl, but like, really getting into the core of who you are.

Let’s take a little deep dive into this, shall we? Grab your favorite drink, and let’s chat like the Goddesses we are because this might just hit home for both of us.

A Quick Trip Back in Time: Oracle of Delphi Vibes

So, the quote "Know thyself" comes from way back in ancient Greece. It was inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, where the Oracle dished out wisdom to all who sought it. People from all walks of life would come to the Oracle for advice, and this phrase was meant to remind everyone that the journey to wisdom starts within (Fontenrose, 1978).

The greats like Socrates and Plato were all about it too. Socrates, especially, was the ultimate coach of self-reflection. He believed that real wisdom begins with understanding your own ignorance (Plato, Apology). In a way, "Know thyself" was the OG self-care mantra, urging people to dig deep, reflect, and figure out what makes them tick. And honestly, aren't we all still on that journey?

Knowing Yourself: Real-Life Everyday Magic

Here’s the thing — knowing yourself is not just some ancient philosophy that belongs in a dusty old scroll. It’s real-life, everyday magic. Whether it’s figuring out why you feel out of sync some days or realizing what lights your fire, getting to know yourself is a game changer.

When was the last time you checked in with your thoughts, emotions, or just how you’re doing beyond the surface level? We’re busy being bosses, nurturing queens, and everything in between, but what’s going on inside matters just as much as what’s happening outside (Emerson, 1993). Knowing yourself helps create harmony in your inner and outer worlds.

The Deeper Side of Knowing Thyself

Knowing yourself is like peeling back layers of who you think you should be (hello, societal expectations!) and finally connecting with who you truly are. Think of it like getting rid of all the clutter in your mind and soul, and finding that divine spark within you (Jung, 1980).

It’s about moving beyond external labels and getting to the essence of your true self. No more pretending or trying to fit into someone else’s idea of who you should be. This is all about you, Goddess!

The More You Know, The More You Grow

Here’s the cool part about really getting to know yourself: once you do, everything else starts to make more sense. It gives you purpose and direction. It’s like your internal GPS becomes clearer, and you can navigate life with more confidence (Radhakrishnan, 1994). Whether it’s your career, relationships, or personal goals, everything aligns when you know who you are and what you’re about.

It also brings a sense of peace. Instead of fighting yourself or living by everyone else’s standards, you get to just be. Imagine feeling totally okay with your strengths and weaknesses. Total self-acceptance. Doesn’t that sound like bliss?

Breaking the Cycle of Self-Doubt

Let’s be real — we’ve all had moments (or months, or years) of doubting ourselves. But here’s where knowing yourself changes the game. When you’re aware of your patterns, those sneaky negative thoughts lose their power. You can catch yourself before spiraling and say, “Wait, I see what’s going on here” (Montaigne, 1993). And then you consciously choose to pivot and grow. Goddess, that’s evolution.

Spreading Love and Empathy

When you’re in tune with yourself, you’re automatically more in tune with others. It’s like when you understand your own struggles, you start seeing everyone else’s with more empathy and love. You get to connect deeper with others, knowing that we’re all just trying to figure things out. Compassion becomes your superpower (Barnstone & Meyer, 2009).

So, How Do I Start?

In the words of Janet Jackson, “What have you done for YOU lately?”

Start checking in with yourself. It could be through journaling, meditation, or even a quiet walk where you just let your thoughts flow. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be real. The more you get to know yourself, the more you’re going to see the universe reflect that knowledge back to you.

So here’s to the journey, Goddess. Let’s keep discovering, growing, and evolving together.

 

References

- Barnstone, W., & Meyer, M. (2009). *The Gnostic Bible: Revised and Expanded Edition*. Shambhala.

- Emerson, R. W. (1993). *Self-Reliance and Other Essays*. Dover Thrift Editions.

- Fontenrose, J. (1978). *The Delphic Oracle: Its Responses and Operations with a Catalogue of Responses*. University of California Press.

- Jung, C. G. (1980). *The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious*. Princeton University Press.

- Montaigne, M. de. (1993). *The Complete Essays*. Penguin Books.

- Plato. *Apology*. Translated by B. Jowett. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1656.

- Radhakrishnan, S. (1994). *The Principal Upanishads*. HarperCollins Publishers India.