Te Today

TE TODAY

You gotta be original,
because if you’re like someone else,
what do they need you for?

- Bernadette Peters

The Tao principle of Te teaches us the virtue of being the best we can be; to not compare ourselves to anyone else, but to take our value our strengths and forgive ourselves our weaknesses. In other words, as in Bernadette Peters’ quote above you and I need to be uniquely ourselves and not try to imitate others.

That, dear friends, is a difficult assignment in this culture where our media bombards us with photos and stories of women who are younger/thinner/smarter/more athletic/more beautiful/wealthier/apparently happier than we are. How can we possibly compete with them?

We can’t. And that’s just the point. We don’t have to and we shouldn’t even try.

I’m not suggesting that we can’t look at others around us and use them as role models if the model fits us, that is. For instance, I might be in a supermarket and see an energetic, tall and slim, younger woman standing in line in front of me. It is entirely possible that I would begin to bemoan my fate of now being old, a bit heavier than I’d like, short (and getting shorter every day) and weary from a full day’s activities. Would it be easy to compare myself to that young gal? It certainly would. Would it be healthy to do so? Nope. Not in the least. Not unless that part which I take from her is her energy, for that is something viable and possible to duplicate within myself. And so now, standing in line behind that sprightly young woman, is an older (and wiser) women, short of stature but standing tall, proud and vibrant. Now I am living the principle of Te to its’ fullest extent.

In all that we do in this life, we need to accept and understand our strengths. At this point in my life I have grown wiser with age; stronger in body from my exercise routines; find I have the ability to express my thoughts through the written and spoken word; have a sense of humor that many (although not all) appreciate; and am loved by my family (so much be doing something right there).

But we must also understand our weaknesses, work on them when we can, and accept them when necessary. For instance, with all of my love of public speaking, entertaining, singing and dancing, I could never be a Rockette on the Radio City Music Hall Stage. I could, however, take my two left feet, give them lessons and join a local group of entertainers and use my skills through that venue.

Take the time, please, to think about your strengths. Write them down and appreciate and celebrate all that there is within you that is good, strong, and wise. And then recognize those parts of you that you consider your weaknesses; those things that might be keeping you from achieving your dreams. Can you strengthen these? If not, perhaps your dreams might not be feasible but they might be altered to accommodate your abilities. Don’t let the things you cannot do get in the way of the things you can do.

You and I are the sum of all of our parts, all of our actions and desires. These are what make us unique in our world and we need to celebrate our individuality. For if we do not value and love ourselves, how can we expect others to do so?


Today you are You, that is truer than true.
There is no one alive who is Youer than You.
-Dr. Seuss

C.J. Golden, author of TAO OF THE DEFIANT WOMAN, and the award winning TAO-GIRLS RULE!

is a motivational speaker who travels the country inspiring all with her dynamic spirit and vision as she helps others explore their unique journeys through life.

She is an increasingly important voice in the field of women’s studies as her message resonates with women and girls everywhere.

Visit CJ and connect with other Tao-Girls and Tao and defiant women at www.taogirl.com