“I am convinced all of humanity is born with more gifts than we know. Most are born geniuses and just get de-geniused rapidly.” – R. Buckminster Fuller
There’s a line from the Cars movies, “He saw things in you that you couldn’t see in yourself.” Because my kids like Disney movies in general and that series of movies in particular, I’ve heard the line a lot. Every time it touches me with that tingle of significance.
Especially in this last month since Vicki and I started, with a group of great writers and thinkers, the shared blog The Heart of the Matter and podcast Sharing the Heart of the Matter. This endeavor has been filled with intense learning for me. First with very specific skills like figuring out how to put together sound files for the podcast. But also in a greater sense of encouraging and being encouraged by others.
It’s reminded me that self-awareness doesn’t just mean knowing our limits – but that sometimes others can see things in us that we can’t see in ourself. When we trust the other people around you, it feels like it speeds up the growth because they help us take leaps of possibility.
Self-awareness is the topic of my post for The Heart of the Matter today, Here’s Looking At You, Kid And while you are there, check out the rest of the site and subscribe – if just for the sense of possibility!
(featured photo from Pexels)
Surprised By Joy 
Love that line from the Cars Movie! 🥰
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Me, too, me, too! 😘
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Yes!! And I love it even more when I see it at work in real life!! 🙂 ❤ ❤
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Oh, this! “When we trust the other people around you, it feels like it speeds up the growth because they help us take leaps of possibility.” Love that, Wynne. And what a pleasure it is to be in your orbit. 😘😉😘
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And in yours, Vicki!! You’ve convinced me I can do a lot more things than I previously knew!! Thanks, my friend!!
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Awww…Wynne the invincible, I say! 💕😉💕
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Not the way I see it….but thanks, my friend! 🙂 ❤
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“I think, therefore I am” was my first introduction to self-awareness. Gotta credit that bit of wisdom to Descartes, a great philosopher who was also known for putting himself before de horse.
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De groan… Oh my – you have me laughing, yet again!
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My kids, ages 17 and 20, think Cars is the best movie ever made. I don’t think that’s an original thought, I believe lots of teen-facing social media reinforces this belief. I don’t get it. We watched it as a family recently and it was fine, but the best? It’s no Point Break!
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Huh, that’s interesting, Jeff. I love Click and Clack in the movies – and of course, Paul Newman. But I’m not sure I’d go for best movie ever made but I haven’t seen the teen-facing social media. 🙂
And it’s been ages since I saw Point Break. Maybe I need to watch that one again!
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That quote, to me, resonated of a great teacher. I was fortunate enough to have great teachers in my life, and some less-than-great ones. So I could tell the difference. And I’m saddened because I think too many students have never had the benefit of a great teacher?
And as I’m typing I’m reminded of several of Robin Williams’ movies about great teachers like Dead Poet Society, Good Will Hunting, and more. I’m just now realizing that this might be a motif in his choice of movies?
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How interesting about the Robin Williams movies. I never noticed that – but don’t we need three to make a pattern? (:) ) I’ll have to look through his filmography. I’m sure we can make a pattern out of this. But now I looked back up at your comment and see that you said, motif, not pattern. I’m still looking it up though!
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Wouldn’t Patch Adams be considered a “teaching” movie even though he plays a physician?
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Oh, that’s a good suggestion, EW! It’s better than the one I came up with — would Flubber count where he plays a professor, even that’s more about silly genius instead of teaching?
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You know, I’ve never seen that one… Worth watching? In general, I feel that under the hilarity in his movies, there’s also an important message, so that probably is true for that one, too?
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Hmm, EW, I don’t remember enough to know. It’s a pretty silly movie – but you’re right. There’s probably a message in it too. Now you have me wondering that!!
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Might be a good movie to (re)watch with the kids?
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“He saw things in you that you couldn’t see in yourself.”. . . reminds me Wynne of a quote by pastor John Ortberg . . . “We are drawn to children, saints and poets because they see things we have forgotten to see.”
We only have to look in the mirror to see the cause of ‘de-geniusing’ responsible for the blindness to our unique gifts we’ve been blessed with, grateful for others in our lives who encourage us to see and use them.
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Oh, what a lovely comment, Fred. And I’m so grateful to you for your continual reminders and encouragement. You are a treasure!
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Ditto lady 😊
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Great photo. Perfect for the Cars quote (which I have always liked too!)
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Thanks, Rebecca! That is a great quote, isn’t it? Happy Monday!
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Okay, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I have to go back and watch “Cars” now. At one point in time, Cars was on an endless loop in my house. My youngest son loved the movie, loved Lightening McQueen. It wasn’t my favorite movie, but it wasn’t annoying either. Ha, ha. I love what you’re saying about self-awareness. I can definitely relate. I know my limits. I tend to forget my strengths/talents and my possibilities. I guess that’s where God puts surprises in front of us to remind us that we’re limited only by our own minds. Thanks for getting me out of my own way Wynne.
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Oh, I love what you said about “God puts surprises in front of us to remind us that we’re limited only by our own minds.” Wow – that’s profound!
I’m so grateful to you for being part of my community that helps me grow, Brian! You are a wonder!
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Oh Wynne, I’m not that profound. Really I’m not. I’m just on the journey like everyone else. Have you noticed how I generally write about the same things? I’m writing to myself . . . to keep me on the straight and narrow, to keep me thinking positive. Ha, ha, I’m a mess, hopefully others can get something out my writing too. Ha, ha.
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No, I haven’t noticed that. Brian, I think this is where you just have to agree to my view of your strengths given that this is a post about how others see things in us that we can’t see ourselves…. 🙂
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😎😀😀😀
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My sister and I talk about this a lot. We see each other so much more clearly. When I’m slipping she’s so gentle with her advice, I try to do the same. I think the best we can do is tell people what you see. I see you as a brilliant mother, wise writer, inspiring podcaster, but your superpower is your willingness to go where your heart leads! Hugs, C
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Oh wow, Cheryl. Talk about a comment that blows me away first thing Monday morning. Thank you, my friend!! What an incredible compliment coming from you. Speaking of podcasting, I’d love to get you to come on after your book releases. 9 days, right?
And how sweet that is with your sister! Wonderful to have that kind of lifelong reminder of your strengths! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Nine days until the book comes out! Yikes! It might be time to panic. I’d be honored to participate in a podcast. I’ll admit, I’ve never done one before but I’m willing to try! You’ll have to be my gentle guide!
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Well, I ordered from Amazon and it’s not coming until the 23rd so I guess that’s 17 days. But after I read it, I definitely want to podcast with you — and I’m sure you’ll be great!
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I like the quote, it’s absolutely true, it happened to me so many times to see things in others they couldn’t see and also the other way round, people seeing things in me that I didn’t see. It’s good that we are social beings and can spot things on others that may help them.
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Love your comment about being social beings – and that’s how we spot things in others. Yes! Great comment!
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There is something so special about having the support of others and growing to greater heights as a result of having that encouragement. Congratulations on the new podcast!
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Special – that’s exactly it! It’s a little bit of secret sauce poured on life! Thanks for the comment and congratulations!
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I love this line in your post: “When we trust the other people around you, it feels like it speeds up the growth because they help us take leaps of possibility.”
How lucky we are to have these people in our lives, old and young – and how lucky your kids are to have you to do the same for them!
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How lucky we are to have these people in our lives. So true, Ab! And yes, how lucky T is to have you. I love those sticky notes you do for him every day. And also – I’m grateful for you!
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“I am convinced all of humanity is born with more gifts than we know. Most are born geniuses and just get de-geniused rapidly.” – R. Buckminster Fuller – Love that quote, so very true!
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Agreed, Mary! It’s a good one!
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I quite like kids movies as there is always a “message or two or three” if you listen rather than watching the cartoons or the picture
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That is so true, Catherine! They put a lot into those good kids movies!
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“It’s reminded me that self-awareness doesn’t just mean knowing our limits – but that sometimes others can see things in us that we can’t see in ourself. When we trust the other people around you, it feels like it speeds up the growth because they help us take leaps of possibility.” This rings with so much truth. We indeed are way harder on ourselves and if only we trusted the what others see in us, we would truly be surprised.
Glad to come back and read your words of wisdom Wynne.
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I love what you say that we would be truly surprised if we trusted that. Yes! Good to see you again parikhit!
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Love your definition of self awareness. Thank you for sharing.
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I’m so glad it resonated! Thanks for reading and commenting!
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