Letting people know us . . .
Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I Am?
by John Powell
When the late Steve Jobs was asked why he allowed his biography to be written, he replied that he “wanted his children to know him.” Apparently he felt he hadn’t spent as much time with them as he wished.
I was touched by Jobs’ comment. I asked myself, “Do I really know my loved ones?” Am I willing for them to know me? Really know me–my thoughts, my goals and dreams, or do we often spend our time together discussing trivialities?
In his book, “Why Am I Afraid to Tell You Who I am?” John Powell gives reasons why we hide from one another. The main reason is fear. It takes courage to reveal ourselves. Writers know that. Perhaps that is why writers write and readers read. Even those who write fiction know that fiction is another way to tell the truth. And truth is what we really desire–or do we?
This is an excellent book on personal growth and interpersonal relationships. These are quotes I loved from Powell’s book:
“To reveal myself openly and honestly takes the rawest kind of courage.”
“I can only know that much of myself which I have had the courage to confide in you.”
And my favorite: “The greatest kindness I have to offer you is always: THE TRUTH.”
