by Pamela A Mertz

Created on: April 11, 2009

A really great book I read recently is "When Nietzsche Wept" by Irvin Yalom. It is the fictional account of two men who become profoundly connected with each other through what became the beginnings of modern talk-therapy. At one point, the main character Nietzsche reflects about "the horror of an unobserved life".

That is very similar to the wise saying by the great philosopher Socrates, who told us that "an unexamined life is not worth living."

I remember thinking as I was reading the book that I am glad I am open to reflecting on my life, where I've been and where I want to go. It is important to periodically step back to observe and examine your life, and evaluate if you are happy with what you are doing. If you are not happy, change something. Generally, it is us who needs to do the changing, because the world around us usually won't. It might mean we need to change our attitude or the way we do things or add something new to our routine.

It's very easy to get stuck in a rut, and wish that things would change or be different for us. I certainly can relate to this. You get set in your ways and tend to think about things negatively instead of positively. Taking a step back and examining your own life can sometimes be painful but its almost always a learning experience.

I have learned that I have to be proactive and make things happen, instead of wanting and hoping for them to happen. I remember thinking how great it would be if the world understood stuttering more and wouldn't be so judgmental. That it would be nice to be able to stutter freely and not worry about getting a negative reaction. Or actually getting a negative reaction.

Well, I have found the way. It's simple. It starts with me. I can change the world, one person at a time. We all can. All I have to do is be comfortable and accepting of myself and project that to the world around me and the rest follows. Really, its that simple. When I am confident and relaxed and sure of myself, whoever I am interacting with follows suit.

There is no complex physics formula or philosophical theory. There is no need to wish for something to happen or change. I have that power already within, and when I share my positive accepting sense of self, it transfers to the next person. I have seen it in action.

I wouldn't have come to this realization if I wasn't ready to look at my life, and me, and what really matters. An observed life is indeed worth living. Take the time and make things happen. Don't get caught waiting - you'll waste a lot of time.

Learn more about this author, Pamela A Mertz.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.