A genuinely good person isn’t defined by words alone—after all, pretty speeches can easily be rehearsed. Nor are they recognized solely by their actions, since even those with bad intentions can perform seemingly noble deeds when it suits them.
True character is revealed in the atmosphere someone creates around them, especially in spaces where there’s no audience to impress. It’s not about how they treat strangers or casual acquaintances, but rather the energy they bring to those who share their daily lives:
- Their spouse;
- Their children;
- Their parents and grandparents;
- Their siblings;
- Their closest friends;
- Their coworkers;
- Their employees or subordinates.
What kind of environment do you cultivate when no one is watching? Do the people around you feel lighter, encouraged, and safer in your presence? Or do they leave drained, tense, and disheartened after interacting with you?
Do you make life easier for those who have no choice but to live alongside you—like family or long-term partners? Do you inspire goodness in them, offer words of support, or stand ready to fight by their side in tough times?
Do you radiate security and trust, being someone others can rely on? Are you open to listening, comforting, and—when necessary—guiding them back to the right path with love?
Some are admired publicly—charismatic, generous, and warm with strangers—yet in private, they’re neglectful, selfish, or even cruel to those closest to them. This speaks volumes about their essence. The difference between “seeming” and “being” lies in what we uphold when there’s no reward or applause.
What’s in the heart eventually spills into actions. In public, many can play a role, but in intimacy, where masks fall away, true nature is exposed.
What about you? What environment have you been fostering around yourself? It’s worth reflecting on.
PHILOSOPHIZING
❝ Whatever is troubling you inside will eventually find its way out. ❞
— Cheryl Strayed (Tiny Beautiful Things)
No matter how hard we try to hide it, what we don’t resolve internally always surfaces. Pain doesn’t vanish just because we ignore it—it leaks out in impatience, bad moods, sudden isolation.
We often blame the outside world—work, relationships, routine—when in reality, the root of the problem lies within us. We can change cities, jobs, or social circles, but if the inner turmoil remains, nothing will ever feel like enough.
That’s why it’s worth facing what haunts us. Acknowledging the wounds, understanding the insecurities, and confronting the fears. Running only delays the inevitable. Only when we look inward with honesty can we reorganize our minds and hearts—and finally live at peace with ourselves and others.
What have you been avoiding? Maybe it’s time to take the first step.
Reinaldo Dias is an experienced administrator, consultant, and publisher with a passion for innovation and technology. Married and a proud father of two daughters, Reinaldo has dedicated the past eight years to studying and mastering the dynamic world of the web. Always staying ahead of the curve, he is deeply enthusiastic about leveraging technology to drive progress and create meaningful solutions. His commitment to staying updated in a fast-evolving digital landscape reflects his dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.