Guest Author - D. Lynn Byrne, Ph.D.

There's always so much going on in our lives--family, friends, school, work--its easy to lose sight of who we are. Its almost as if, as graduate students, we have this intense desire to "become" (become an MBA, become a CPA, become a PhD)and it simply overwhelms everything else in our lives.

Dr. Barbara Rose, author of Know Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Wholeness, Radiance & Supreme Confidence writes that the need to improve ourselves is a means of expressing ourselves externally as opposed to developing ourselves internally. We are so intent on the external goal of "becoming" something that we lose sight of life.

Many graduate students, myself included (at least at times), are on a bit of an ego trip. We focus on becoming the best of the best, and that's all well and good, but what does this "accomplishment" help us gain if we lose touch with our self, our values, our family, friends, etc.?

As I worked through Dr. Rose's book, I gained a clearer perspective of how greedy I'd become. The drive for success had impacted my ability to act in anyone's best interests but my own. Sure, I gave lip service to the needs and wants of those around me; but, the need to "become" outweighed their interests the majority of the time. How selfish! No, not only selfish, how self-serving!

I must admit, I've had this book in my possession for a very short time. While leopard's don't change their spots, at least not overnight, I do believe that Dr. Rose's words of wisdom have really had an impact on my life. And, as I've had the joy of sharing this text with others, I can see that its impacted the lives of my peers, too.

Of all that Dr. Rose has to impart about knowing oneself, of developing wholeness, radiance and supreme confidence, there is one particular item that I've taken absolutely to heart. On a note-card, taped on my bathroom where I can see it everyday, is "When this brief life is over, all that you have accumulated will no longer be yours." What we do, the thoughts and memories of our deeds and the words we leave with others will remain long after we depart this earth; but, our degrees, our grades, our status... when we leave, these things leave too. You really can't take it with you.

If you are truly interested in an inspirational text that will help you rediscover yourself, consider Know Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Wholeness, Radiance & Supreme Confidence by Dr. Barbara Rose. Available for $17.99 USD at major booksellers everywhere.

Until next time!

Lynn Byrne