Your Component Parts

“People only look at me as a Beatle but my friends look at me as a whole person. That’s how life works, but it’s not bugging me any more.”

– Ringo Starr.

I’d like you to think of yourself in component parts! For example; as having component parts that include a creative self, an intellectual self, a social self, an academic self…etc.

When you have identified component parts of yourself, next look for evidence that each of those parts is contributed to; that each get fulfilled.

For example; if you are thinking about the part of yourself that is creative, then ask yourself how creativity features in your life? Are you contributing to your creative self? Does the creative part of you feel invested in and fulfilled? Repeat this for each component part that you identify. If you find something lacking in how you cater for your component part, write down three simple action points to implement over the remainder of this month.

It is my view that we would all benefit from considering what ‘component parts’ our character traits are formed of. Most importantly, to then consider and evaluate whether we do actively contribute to ensuring those parts are a fulfilled part of our life experience? What are your thoughts on this? For example, does how we live life create obstacles to us carrying out an exercise like this on a regular basis? Do we let too many other things ‘get in the way?’ Do we dismiss our own thoughts on what we would like to be doing, instead of what we are doing? I happen to think we do.

As a person with Parkinson’s Disease; a degenerative neurological disease, I am acutely aware of the value of investing time, effort and energy into the things that make my life fulfilling and meaningful. I guess, because my well-being is diminishing, I can all too easily see the value of not letting life go by without striving to live it well, fully and meaningfully. Sadly, I see all too often that many people, who are not forced to consider this because they are ill, let left pass them by without considering how fulfilled their component parts are and stand to regret much, in the long term, due to missing opportunities. Again, I wonder what your thoughts are on this?

Apply this technique to all of the component parts of yourself, that you identified earlier, on a regular basis. Take some time to reflect on what you learnt, from this exercise.

Post by: Deano Parsons.