Negative Theology
Stating who you are and what you represent is a feat easier said than done, but knowing who you aren’t is something that can help. Negative theology is the idea that one can only fully understand God by completely knowing everything that God isn’t. This idea is not only useful in a theological sense but also in your own self-awareness. It’s one thing to be able to state what or who you want to be, but in doing so it comes with a cloud of gray area. Our identities are always going to be changing but the more we waver, the more uncomfortable and uncertain we become.
Who we become is always going to be influenced by who and what we surround ourselves with, but when we find ourselves content with the fact that we are easily swayed by outside forces, the constant influences become our normal. Yes, it’s good to surround yourselves with positive influences, but when you don’t believe that you alone can be your own influence then you become dependent on others for comfort. When others are experiencing change and finding success in their own endeavors, be sure that you are also focused on what you are doing as well. Don’t change because others are changing.
Knowing what you are not is just as important as setting your initial goal. In doing so you are less susceptible to change that is unnecessary and impulsive. Constantly changing yourself becomes exhausting and after a while, you tend to question what the overall image you would like to portray to yourself and to others. Applying negative theology to yourself would block out things that are not productive to who you are and who you want to be. Influences become appreciated and carefully evaluated but only utilized when it is positive to your encompassed wellbeing.