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| Home is Key Question 9 |
Isn't it necessary to experience and assert one's self-worth in order to realise meaningful relationships? |
Most of us have been brought up to believe that selflessness and self-sacrifice are touchstones of noble behaviour. We are also told self-realisation and self-fulfilment are the legitimate goals of life. As a result being a selfless, seemingly caring father-figure or mother-figure comes more easily than being a “selfish”, seemingly uncaring father or mother. Being a good parent necessarily requires the assertion of one’s identity to build meaningful relationships. The common fear that the assertion of one’s identity with one’s spouse will damage that vital relationship, is quite unfounded. For, assertion of identity is not being superior to the other in any manner but being true to one’s own emotions. And when those emotions express a genuine commitment, they encourage the spouse to reciprocate and reinforce the mutual trust in the relationship. Asserting our emotions involves having a sense of self-worth. Our self-worth is initially derived from the self-worth of our parents as determined by the extent of respect they were able to earn from us. This respect in turn is dependent on the relative contradictions they had reflected in their precept and practice of selflessness or selfness. When we are unable to come to terms with the limits of that respect, our attempts to realise or assert our self-worth betray a lack of adequate foundation and therefore remain unfulfilled. It has been an exciting revelation for Alacrity that by encouraging its managers to realise the limits of their self-worth and assert their emotions with their spouses, it is possible to enhance the self-worth of not only the family but the community as well. Realising the key role the home plays in human development, Alacrity works sensitively, purposefully and productively to keep the family together - the Alacrity way. If you would like to share with us your views and experience on this subject or just tell us you are interested, concerned, excited or plain surprised, you could write to us at Post Bag No.8578 (H-9), Chennai 600 017, India or email us at alacrity@webindia.com. We will share with you, both the exhilarating and disappointing moments of our own efforts so far. And maybe continue the process of building successful homes together with you. |