The C.A.T. Principle – Global Ebook Awards GOLD & SILVER Winner for Best Self-Help Non-Fiction Ebook of 2014 & 2016

Depth: The Trait That Makes Us Human…

What does it mean to have depth? We know the expression that beauty is skin-deep, but we may not know it derived from a 1613 poem titled “A Wife” by English poet Sir Thomas Overbury (1581-1613). “All the carnal beauty of my wife is but skin-deep,” he wrote, suggesting there’s more to a person than meets the eye. If so, then what is “more” that Overbury warns to pay heed lest it disappoint us?

The answer is simple: It’s depth.

In a contemporary society of face-lifts, tummy tucks, Botox injections and whatever else a plastic surgeon conjures, it seems that depth of our inner workings and character has drawn the short straw. By no means is it disparaging to look our best, but when depth takes a back seat to superficiality, then arguably the cart is ahead of the horse.

The origin of beauty lies within. It’s from depth that beauty exudes its countenance upon those experiencing it. The surface may attract, but depth determines whether attraction endures. How often are we enamored only to be disappointed? To know someone and what they’re going through is never an easy task, but let’s face it, some of us lead lives of superficiality.

Naturally, none of us think ourselves superficial. But if someone dumbfounds by avoiding meaningful thought and debate, then we may be in the presence of someone who can’t connect on a deep level. And if lip service is paid to beliefs and values, it doesn’t mean that behavior follows suit. Actions always speak louder than words (see Consistency: The Hallmark of Character).

Depth is the trait that marks us as human. If we’re not capable of deep connection, then our capacity for the human condition diminishes. When we emphasize the exterior (beware the narcissist) and think nothing beyond, it’s as if we’re robotic. We harbor little, if any, empathy for others. We view others disdainfully as we numbly follow our agenda-driven existence. Deep-seated insecurity is our trademark.

What then can we do to bring depth and meaning to our lives? Perhaps some of us are beyond repair and for whatever reason can’t open up, can’t trust and can’t be vulnerable. But for those of us willing to make the effort, perhaps there’s hope yet. We must learn to set fears aside and realize that without failure and rejection, depth can’t happen. We mustn’t let insecurities get the better of us, and above all, we must recognize that beauty lies in depth of character, and not in shallowness of looks…

Dear Reader, this is the Third Birthday of The C.A.T. Blog and I thank you for your continued patronage.

For more, check out The C.A.T. Principle: Change, Action, Trust – Words to Live By, a Global Ebook Awards GOLD Winner for Best Self-Help Non-Fiction Ebook of 2014, available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. See the latest Amazon reviews here. Now revised and expanded, and a Nominee for the Best Self-Help Non-Fiction Ebook of the 2016 Global Ebook Awards.

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A 2014 Global Ebook Awards GOLD Winner for Best Self-Help Non-Fiction Ebook.

A 2015 & 2016 Global Ebook Awards Nominee for Best Self-Help Non-Fiction Ebook