“Every person in our lives shows up at the perfect time
to teach us something about ourselves.”
—Nancy Salmeron
“And here’s the surprising truth: As you gaze at yourself in the mirror held by another, you will see far more than your flaws. You also will see the beauty that is uniquely you; beauty that others see clearly, and you may hardly know exists. That is also part of the truth about you.”
― Steve Goodier
It has been said that what you see in others you find in yourself. Everyone is your mirror. Everyone is reflecting who you are back to you. As you reflect on the relationships that you love and on the ones that drain you, thank or question yourself for having them. We will discover within ourselves the beauty and annoyances we find in others. The qualities you admire in others are your own and the same goes for those qualities you dislike. What you see as imperfections in others are the same imperfections that you dislike in yourself. To change anything in your relationships, be the change you want to see. Stop focusing on the flaws of others and evaluate yourself to see where those flaws show up in your life. Every person in our life shows up at the perfect time to teach us something about ourselves. The people with whom you interact mirror who you are and are always giving you an opportunity to see yourself in the characteristics that annoy you or those that you love. The people who get on our nerves the most are among our greatest teachers. They teach us that the judgments we have about them we may perceive in us. For example, if I dislike lies, I need to seek within and look at where I have lied. If you dislike negativity, ask yourself where you have been negative? And are you not being negative in believing that someone else is negative?
Everyone Is Your Mirror.
Whether you dislike or love someone’s virtues, most likely they are found within you. Other peoples’ imperfections can make you uncomfortable because these imperfections touch aspects of yourself. The good news is that the desirable behaviors you see in others are also a reflection of who you are or aspire to be. Remember, when you love yourself you tend to be more loving and accepting of others. Happy, kind people never hurt others.
We hold others to standards that we need to impose on ourselves.
We can never impose anything on anybody else. You can set certain standards of how you would like to be treated by treating yourself in a certain way. If you are seeking respect from others, respect yourself. However you treat yourself will reflect on your environment, and the people in your environment will mirror this treatment back to you.
Don’t hate the behavior of others; change YOUR behavior.
Anybody who has tried to change the behavior of others understands, that it is impossible. People change when they are ready and change only happens from within. When we want to change others, we want to change our reflection. So, be the change you want to see in others and the world. If you despise laziness, check yourself and see where you are exhibiting this trait.
When evaluating the people in your life, remember that they reflect who you are or desire to be. Go deep within yourself and throw some light onto your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. Our relationships can be our greatest teachers. They tell us much about our fears and our aspirations. Look at your closest relationships—with your spouse, children, or siblings. What are they bringing into your life? If they bring compassion and love, it is because that is what is coming from you. If they bring chaos, reflect and ask yourself where are you coming up short. As you question why people in your life do what they do, look within and see what you are missing about yourself. Love and respect yourself in a way that your world reflects the love and respect back to you every time!
Sending many blessings and love your way!
Nancy😊