insecurity Archives - Viet Bao Louisville KY

In our daily lives, we come across a variety of personalities. From the quiet and introspective to the outgoing and boisterous, we find ourselves interacting with individuals from all walks of life. Among these myriad personalities, there are some who stand out due to their aggressive, angry, or even violent behaviors. They raise their voices, often seem confrontational, and might even resort to illegal actions. But as an insightful quote suggests: “If you see someone who is loud, angry, and tends to be in action toward violent and via illegal actions, understand that they are very insecure inside.”

This profound statement nudges us to look beyond the surface behavior and delve deep into the psyche of such individuals. Instead of immediately passing judgment or reacting with fear, we should aim to understand the root cause of their aggression. The outward manifestation of anger or violence can often be a cry for help or a mask to cover deep-seated feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, or fear. Just as a wounded animal might lash out when approached, these individuals might be acting from a place of pain or trauma.

Insecurities can stem from various sources: childhood traumas, societal pressures, personal failures, or even feelings of not being loved or valued. When individuals don’t have the tools or support system to address these insecurities, they might resort to aggressive behaviors as a way to assert control or protect themselves.

In light of this understanding, what then should be our response? A natural reaction might be to avoid, condemn, or retaliate against such individuals. But, as we delve into religious teachings, particularly the teachings of Jesus Christ, we find a different approach. As mentioned, “as Jesus teaches, if you can pray for those who harm you, you are way blessed.” It is an invitation not just to tolerance, but to empathy and love. It is about seeing the pain behind the aggression and choosing compassion over retaliation.

Praying for those who harm us or challenge us is not about condoning their actions or becoming passive. It is about recognizing the shared humanity and understanding that every individual, regardless of their actions, has a story, and often that story contains pain and hardship. When we pray for these individuals, we not only send out positive energy and intentions but also create a space within ourselves to heal from any harm they might have caused us.

In conclusion, understanding that aggressive and violent behaviors often mask deep-seated insecurities can change our perspective and response to such individuals. Instead of resorting to fear or anger, let’s take a moment to see the pain behind the aggression. And in line with the teachings of Jesus, let’s pray for their well-being and healing. After all, in showing compassion and understanding, we not only uplift others but also enrich our own souls.

Shawn Dawley, president of OT2 Consulting, is an accomplished leader, leadership educator, and keynote speaker committed to empowering leaders at all levels to realize their power, passion, and purpose. His extensive experience, drawn from his roles as a Director and Vice President at a Fortune 100 company, a nationwide firm, and a 25-year stint as a combat pilot, commander, and inspector general in the United States Air Force, paints a rich tapestry of leadership and resilience.

At a recent gathering at the Rotary of Louisville, Dawley, a former Fellow at Harvard University with a diverse educational background, shared a profoundly insightful speech that resonated deeply with the audience, and particularly with Di Tran, author of “Drop the ME and focus on the OTHERS” and the soon-to-be-released “Drop the FEAR and focus on the FAITH.”

Dawley began his discourse by discussing the roots of insecurity. He proposed that insecurity is fundamentally rooted in fear—a primal, inherent emotion, often intensified during our formative years. This perspective struck a chord with Tran, who has spent his literary career examining the internal mechanisms that hinder and facilitate human growth. He affirms that understanding fear as a natural and nurtured response can help individuals confront their insecurities more empathetically and effectively.

Building on this, Dawley then presented the intriguing concept that an eternal “baby” or “inner child” lives within every adult. This nascent persona, shaped by our earliest experiences, can be a source of strength or a trigger for shame. Tran echoed this sentiment, noting that acknowledging our inner child can empower us, providing a reservoir of resilience. However, if left unaddressed, this same inner child can also harbor debilitating shame. In his upcoming book, Tran aims to further explore how acknowledging and embracing our fears and insecurities can lead us towards a path of unshakeable faith.

Dawley, leveraging his decades of leadership experience across the cockpit, combat, command, and corporate sectors, underscored a powerful parenting mantra: “You grew up with a shower of love, not pity.” As a parent himself, Tran found this adage deeply resonating. He believes that cultivating an environment of love, rather than one steeped in pity or shame, allows children to flourish and tackle their fears more confidently. This concept aligns seamlessly with Tran’s philosophy, as expressed in his first book, where He advocates focusing on others’ strengths and fostering a supportive, nurturing environment.

In conclusion, Shawn Dawley’s enlightening speech offered a refreshing perspective on understanding our fears, embracing the inner child, and harnessing love as an empowering tool. For Tran, these insights not only reinforced his beliefs but also sparked new contemplations for his next literary endeavor. As we anticipate his upcoming book, these reflections serve as a timely reminder of our shared human experiences, inspiring us to navigate life with empathy, understanding, and above all, love.