Know Thyself- Maturity

The writing genie and I went into serious introspection on maturity. To understand this term is important and helps us be intentional in our evolution.  

I have told a few people; they did not have the maturity to be given a promotion. Drove them mad, as they were ambitious people. One, a very bright and capable person, kept asking me” what does that mean? I want to know. I usually achieve all I set out to achieve. So, when I know, I will get there” I was much younger, and did a lousy job setting it out clearly for her. As the years progressed, I got better at articulating what maturity meant in a work situation.

The characteristics I valued highly in the workplace and hopefully was role modelling: 

• Not blaming, but working towards solutions
• Not complaining, gossiping or comparing
• Not having a meltdown when things go pear shaped. But calmly working to rectify the situation.
• Being accountable and working collaboratively.
• Operating from a position of greater good than individual benefit.
• Building people up. 

Now, post corporate, I think of maturity is a continuous process. We evolve, as we practice and role model behaviours. This can be directed by the work we do within and interactions we have with those without. 

 First, I examined how I interact with my environment. Approaches that I have tried to embed in myself 

• When folk have done bad things to me, I try my hardest to move along and not go into a negative spiral. Chances are that I will push the delete button on them for life. But that is not always possible. Dealing with them in a cool professional manner is how I respond. I may not always succeed. But I will continue to practice this, as best as I can.
• Accept that everyone approaches life with a different prism that is their life experiences, values and beliefs.
• Trying to see the good in people and bringing out the best in them
• Knowing that I have nothing to prove anyone. Yay…this one really liberating.
• Acceptance of the things out of my control. This one was the toughest one I must say. Still struggling at times with this. I must be smart enough to differentiate what is in my control and what, not. 

Now let’s look at what is within. It all boils down to Know Thyself , reading a lot of philosophy and working on what needs to happen to mature my soul. This gig is hard. Harder than climbing the corporate ladder or doing a complex project in my opinion. 

After my contemplation, I have selected the following to embed in myself. I am very much work in progress in this matter. 

• Equanimity to view the good and bad in life, alike. I aspire to be an owl hooting gently on a branch. No point getting excited about things that’s all temporary.
• Helping all who reach out and wishing everyone well (without any expectation and regardless who they are)
• Live Rumi’s quote “Yesterday, I was clever, I wanted to change the world, Today, I am wise, I am changing myself” . This is something that dawned upon me through my start up venture and writing. Most people will change when they are good and ready. Not one moment before.  This was one of the hardest lessons I learnt in the last four years. I am at a loss, to see so many folks dishing out tips , tricks and insights into changing other people’s lives. People consume content, and that appears to be the living end of it.
• Being at peace with myself and who I am becoming
• Reducing my wants, so I become truly liberated from the hustle and bustle of a commoditised and competitive world. 

I now know that maturity is not a destination. It is a continuous journey. As the soul matures, it realises, what more needs to be done. One cannot leapfrog to the next stop without, learning predetermined maturity lessons on the way. It is like a continuous upward vibration. At least that is how I picture, maturity in my head. 

I also think, the universe has a great part to play in how and what level we mature to. I am interested to see over the coming years, what my focus will be once I bed these objectives down. I hope that does not take me too long:-). But I realise, I cannot force this to happen. It is a process which lets the relevant thoughts emerge along with the will power that is needed to implement such thoughts. The proof is always in the execution, of how much I am committed to this maturing process.  

Like, wine, I hope to hit vintage with this maturity gig. Those who consume me, (interact with me) will hopefully be touched by the flavour and feel of me. At least, that is my vision. 

What does maturity mean for you? 

Has this vision evolved for you over time? 

What are some maturity practices are embedded? 

What are your future goals for maturity?