Self-Reflection & Analysis: The Beginning of Fulfilling our Life’s Purpose

​by: Keren May B. Busaing

At a time when enough teachings, inspiration, promotion, and encouragement were taught towards life and living with a purpose, the challenge remains difficult for some. In some cases, they don’t know where or how to start and for some who know the way, they have not yet broken through their personal struggles which is hindering them from fulfilling their potential to be available for others. To the end, the question is, “how can we be that strong support for others if we are also groping for help?” Are we in a position to remove the plank on someone else’s eye when all the time there is a plank in our own eye?
Being called to be Values Restoration Officers, being there for other people is a given - an unwritten or unspoken requirement. As much as we want to fulfill that version of ourselves instantly, we have to acknowledge the fact that such is easier said than done. In the same manner, we have to recognize that there is a process and a way to begin the journey. 
Great things start from within - our very essence and substance as individuals is what we need to nurture. To do this, we have to first master ourselves. The key to this is the value of self-reflection and analysis. It is the start, the beginning of our growth and journey towards fulfilling our greater purpose in life. We ought to be able to look at our faces in a mirror and not forget how we look like. Examine ourselves and consider our ways, test them, and turn to the ways of God and His goodness. It is by deeply knowing and understanding our inner selves that will activate progressive growth in our faith and character. Knowing that we are made in the image and likeness of God, we have to bear in mind that realizing our potential is anchored in conforming our innermost being to His nature. 
Notice that the process of self-reflection and analysis requires conscious effort to do. We are, by nature, instantly reactive to the things, people, and situations around us and those who have outgrown it have done so by overcoming their very own selves, by which they applied self-reflection and analysis. It is through this that they were able to acknowledge their weaknesses and strengths that allowed them to be compassionate and understanding of others. They are able to defeat their own demons and are able to be a formidable support for others. Waves and storms may come but like a fully-armored soldier, they are able to withstand the fiercest of battles and stand firm for themselves and for others - courageous to face yet another battle that may come their way. It is by constantly and consistently suppressing their human nature and selfish desires that they are able to rise every time. 
Such great stature and confidence has sprouted from the value of being able to look closely in our innermost being, consciously choosing to grow in goodness every step of the way. Such is called self-reflection and analysis. There is no shortcut to being strong. The process goes on every single day and it is by subduing ourselves and our selfish desires that we are able to advance closer and closer to realizing our purpose in life. Let us be reminded that our purpose is beyond ourselves and our families. We all have the potential to realize a greater purpose in this life. Let us desire to make ourselves relevant in this present and also to the future generations - to present and represent God in every way. We become an embodiment of our Creator, fulfilling all forms of righteousness. Let us reflect deeply into ourselves - our hearts and actively nurture that godly seed within and allow it to grow until it is able to bear good fruits and supply the needs beyond ours. Let us enjoy our journey and anticipate every victory that we are inevitably going to win.