Knowledge is Power… Among Other Things
My #wordoftheweek is Knowledge. It’s especially meaningful to me this week, as I begin my new life coaching course to be come a Certified Divorce Recovery Coach (CDRC) and obtain all of my educational hours for my ICF Accreditation. It will take me until almost the end of the year to complete, but this is so exciting for me, as it’s been my passion to specialize in this niche since deciding to pursue my path to Life Coaching as a full-time career.
But other than something we all strive for, why should we all set this word into our intentions this week?
We all know the saying, “Knowledge is power.” And it’s true, but it’s also so much more than that.
Sometimes, knowledge is pain. Specifically when we learn things we really didn’t want to know. But that’s a pain that most of us are willing to accept, when it grows us or creates a lesson in our lives. There are, of course, those who would rather not know painful things. “If he’s cheating, I don’t want to know.” “If it’s cancer, I don’t want to know.” “If my child really did what they’re accused of doing, I don’t want to know.” This is living a false reality.
But this isn’t coping, or growing, or really living authentically for that matter. It’s not that they don’t want to know. It’s that they don’t want to deal with the hurt, pain, embarrassment or fear that comes along with knowing. But to not know limits your options to grow, to heal, and even to repair those painful life circumstances. Knowledge is the catalyst for all of this, it always begins with knowing the reality of the situation so you can learn how to best deal with it.
Knowledge is also a gift. It’s a gift to you and to others. It allows you to strengthen your relationships in your life. It allows you to accept and tolerate people who are different from you, in a way that you wouldn’t otherwise have an appreciation for. It allows you to do a better job in school or in your career. And the amazing thing about the gift of knowledge is that it can be re-gifted, repeatedly. As you learn, you teach others. Whether it’s your children, your colleagues, or your friends on social media, you are always encouraged to share the gift of your knowledge with others.
Remember that knowledge, which is defined as: acts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject, is coupled closely with the spiritual gift of wisdom. Making sure that your information is both accurate, and used wisely, is a challenging skill that we should all attempt to master. What this means is that when you aren’t sure, don’t guess. True knowledge comes only in being accurate and thirsting for all possible sides and sources of an issue, before making your own informed decision with wisdom, and then sharing it responsibly with others.
How do you challenge yourself daily to increase your knowledge about yourself, others and the world around you?
