Many years ago, I believe it was in my upper sixth Sociology class I learned about the concept of self-actualization, which is not only a concept but, in fact, reality.
Quite recently as I was conversing with my mother, I found myself saying, “I am self-actualized”. I guess that was me trying to say that a particular situation we were discussing no longer bothered me. In that same conversation, I realized that I could not change people. But, I can change how I feel about people and my circumstances and how I want to fit in this world and have relevance. I realise that as we move towards a need to be fulfilled in a wholesome way, we move towards self-actualization whether we are aware or not.
As I think about it I also realise through the conversation with my mother God allowed me to understand and accept where I am in the process of life as a woman. I would find myself saying how I have evolved and can take control quickly, not knowing that this was a part of being self-actualized. He made it very clear.
So, as I did my research on self-actualization, I am sharing a few things about this state of being “self-actualized” that Maslow wrote on so many years ago. His theory has a resounding relevance, more so now than before.
Self Actualization is the motivation to realize one’s own maximum potential and possibilities. (http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/self-actualization.html)
Maslows 12 Characteristics of a Self Actualized Woman (he wasn’t specific to women but I am being:-) Please note I have changed the word ‘people’ in the original post to ‘women’ here.
1) Self-actualized women embrace the unknown and the ambiguous.
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious.”
2) They accept themselves, together with all their flaws.
3) They prioritize and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
4) While they are inherently unconventional, they do not seek to shock or disturb.
5) They are motivated by growth, not by the satisfaction of needs.
6) Self-actualized people have purpose.
“[They have] some mission in life, some task to fulfill, some problem outside themselves which enlists much of their energies.
7) They are not troubled by the small things.
8) Self-actualized women are grateful.
9) They share deep relationships with a few, but also feel identification and affection towards the entire human race.
10) Self-actualized women are humble.
11) Self-actualized women resist enculturation.
“They do not allow themselves to be passively molded by culture”
12) Despite all this, self-actualized women are not perfect.
Taken from a Huffington Post written by David Sze
Read the entire post by clicking link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-sze/maslow-the-12-characteris_b_7836836.html
