By : Mrs. Anis Akmilah binti Mat Hassan _^K.B.;P.A.

How is your SELF-BOX? Yes, you indeed have your own SELF-BOX. You are responsible for the box you possess. No one can steal your SELF-BOX without your permission, you know? Your box has walls and space. The barrier between you and external elements is separated by the walls of the box. These can be very strong walls or, conversely, weak ones. The spaces inside your SELF-BOX are filled with your perceptions, values, thoughts, emotions, and spiritual beliefs. Have you explored the state of your SELF-BOX?

MASTERING THE SELF-BOX

For some people, their boxes are tightly controlled by those around them. There are those who dictate what should be filled in that special box. Childhood is a period when individuals begin to be educated with religious values, responsibilities, moral values, and good character formation. Their boxes are very fragile at that time. The walls of their SELF-BOX are like soft sponges that absorb everything that comes to them, whether good or bad. Parents, teachers, and the surrounding community play a role in shaping their boxes.

As they enter adolescence, the walls of the SELF-BOX become harder. During this phase, teenagers are busy searching for their identity. The formation of personal values and morals becomes more pronounced. At this time, teenagers learn to filter what should and shouldn’t be absorbed into their SELF-BOX. Rebellious thoughts and emotions start to appear when their desires are denied. The SELF-BOX of a teenager wants to dominate everything but lacks experience and knowledge. Therefore, parents are advised to give them opportunities to gradually become independent with some guidance and instruction. The adolescent box will be stronger and more solid when they are given trust, tolerance, and emotional support. A teenager's box that is left without guidance and support may shake their self-concept formation as they grow into adulthood.

As they navigate adulthood, still constrained by ideologies, being OWNED BY OTHERS will disrupt their self-concept formation. A lack of confidence in their abilities makes them feel weak, powerless, and fully dependent on OTHERS to live. The walls of the SELF-BOX may thicken but remain empty inside. Being an ideal adult doesn’t mean not making mistakes; it means being someone who is confident in their abilities, can organize their life, make decisions for themselves, and manage themselves in any situation. An adult's box can also be fragile if not nurtured with good knowledge and maturity. Knowledge can be sought, but maturity comes from a person’s ability to face life’s tests and challenges.

Therefore, take a look at your SELF-BOX. Evaluate and consider it carefully. Is our SELF-BOX already strong? Where can improvements be made so that our SELF-BOX becomes resilient and not easily eroded by negative influences? It is never too late for us to learn about ourselves and strengthen our SELF-BOX. So, is your BOX okay?

Date of Input: 30/09/2024 | Updated: 30/09/2024 | ayna