The Battle Within: Confronting the Real Self

Have you ever felt like you're at war with yourself? That constant inner conflict, where you find yourself attacking your own real self and inflicting psychological pain? It's a struggle that many people face, often without even realizing it. In this blog post, we'll explore the detrimental effects of pursuing an imaginary ideal self and the desire to impose this pursuit on others.

The Unhappy Consequence

When someone is at war with their real self, it's no surprise that they're not a happy person. This internal conflict creates a constant battle within, where one's true identity is rejected and replaced with an idealized version. The result is a deep sense of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Psychologically, this self-inflicted pain can be incredibly damaging. The constant rejection of one's true self leads to feelings of inadequacy, unworthiness, and a lack of self-acceptance. It's like attacking oneself from within, leaving emotional wounds that are difficult to heal.

The Pursuit of an Imaginary Ideal

Why do people engage in this harmful behavior? The answer lies in the pursuit of an imaginary ideal self. This ideal self is a projection of what one believes they should be, rather than embracing who they truly are. It's a distorted image, often influenced by societal expectations, cultural norms, and personal insecurities.

This pursuit of the ideal self is detrimental to the individual because it sets unrealistic expectations. It creates a constant need for validation and external approval, as one strives to meet the unattainable standards they've set for themselves. This perpetual chase for an illusion only leads to disappointment and dissatisfaction.

Unawareness of the Consequences

One of the most concerning aspects of this battle with the real self is that many individuals are unaware of the negative consequences. They genuinely believe that pursuing the ideal self is the key to happiness and fulfillment. In their pursuit, they may inadvertently influence those around them to do the same.

It's not uncommon for someone caught up in this internal struggle to desire that others reject their real selves and also pursue an idealized version. They may project their own insecurities onto others, believing that everyone should conform to their distorted image of perfection. This desire for conformity is rooted in the belief that only by becoming ideal can one find true happiness.

The Neurotic's Quest for Ideality

The individual caught in this battle with their real self is often referred to as neurotic. The neurotic not only wants themselves to become ideal, but they also seek to impose their ideals on society as a whole. This includes governments and other social institutions.

By striving for an ideal society, the neurotic hopes to create an environment that aligns with their distorted perception of perfection. They believe that by molding society to fit their ideals, they will finally find the happiness and fulfillment they've been chasing. However, this quest for ideality is flawed and ultimately unattainable.

Embracing the Real Self

So, how can one break free from this battle with the real self and find true happiness? The answer lies in embracing and accepting one's true identity. It's about recognizing that the pursuit of an imaginary ideal self is a futile endeavor that only leads to dissatisfaction.

Instead of constantly striving for an unattainable image, it's important to focus on self-acceptance and self-love. Embracing the real self means acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses, and understanding that imperfections are what make us human.

It's also crucial to surround oneself with a supportive and accepting community. By being in the company of people who appreciate and value authenticity, we can find the courage to let go of the need for an idealized version of ourselves.

Conclusion

The battle with the real self is a struggle that many individuals face, often without even realizing it. The pursuit of an imaginary ideal self can lead to unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and a constant need for external validation. It's important to recognize the negative consequences of this behavior and strive to embrace and accept our true selves.

Let go of the unrealistic expectations and societal pressures, and instead focus on self-acceptance and self-love. Surround yourself with a supportive community that values authenticity. Only by embracing the real self can we find true happiness and fulfillment.