In a dynamic and ever-evolving world like the one we live in, people are always rushing, very busy, afraid to look within themselves and discover their true essence. They fear their monsters, but they do not imagine that by overcoming them, they can fill themselves with energy and become capable of achieving a fuller and happier life.
Often, we avoid coming into contact with our deeper feelings 
even as a way to protect ourselves from what might surface if we allow ourselves to express who we truly are. As an escape, many people dive into work and productive activities, while others embark on dark journeys, surrendering to addictions like alcoholism, gambling, or drugs.
“Who are you?” Have you ever tried to answer this question sincerely? It takes courage to listen to the answer attentively. Allowing yourself to recognize your own flaws and committing to effective changes is not a simple task. It is important to acknowledge your virtues and achievements, outline new plans and goals, and persevere in the pursuit of success! You will only have a chance to succeed in the game of life when you know what your weaknesses (flaws) are and what your powerful weapons (virtues) are, and have control over them.
Those who often say, “I wish I could have such a thing…” or “Who am I to do this…” or “This is not for me, I know my place…” do so because they do not know themselves well enough to understand all that they are capable of. Trapped by beliefs and misguided ideas about life and themselves, these people live on the sidelines of life, as spectators and never as the main actors.
At first, a journey into oneself may not be very pleasant, but it is undeniable that it will bring a new meaning to the life of those who dare to embark on such an endeavor. The initial process is long, as it is necessary to carefully remove the masks we choose to protect ourselves from the gaze of others and from our own gaze. Often, these masks, having been used so much, have become solid and hard, as if they were part of us. When caught up in this type of mask, we look in the mirror and do not see ourselves. Our true identity is very well hidden, not revealing itself even to us.
One way to know yourself better is to know exactly what you want, what you are willing to give up in favor of your goals, and what the best path to follow is. Reflect on where and how you want to be in six months, one year, five years, and ten years. Then, seek to identify what you lack to get there.
First, pay attention to your routine, try to identify how it bothers you, and then start observing, evaluating, critiquing, and finding solutions for that specific point. Be an observer of yourself. Review your life as if you were watching a movie. Take 
pencil and paper and write down everything that comes to your mind. Then, use your rational capacity and carefully analyze what you have written. Be open to personal criticism and identify points that need to be modified. Sometimes, small things can turn into insurmountable walls. If you can identify them in time, you can act and prevent them from harming you.
Reflect on what you like to do in your free time: do you prefer to read a good book or go to the movies? What is your favorite dish? Have your choices been consistent with your wants and desires? What is stopping you from achieving your goals?
Talk to yourself, for it is from this internal conversation that you can develop self-knowledge and have control over your emotions. Without this, you will be unable to act in the world you live in. And we can only control something if we know it very well.
DR. LAIR RIBEIRO
Cardiologist, speaker
www.lairribeiro.com.br
lrsintonia@terra.com.br