Self-awareness is a virtue, and one few possess.It's also quite easy to miss a step, and watch things tumble down around you.
Complacency is the enemy. It will make you lesser. Not always a terrible thing; no one is perfect, no one is unfallible, no one can go forever.
But you should try. You MUST try. For if not you, then who? Things do not get better if you simply hope others will do it for you.
And as hard as it is to try, you will often find a shoulder to rest on. A hand to hold. Take them as they come. You will need it.
Understanding the self is hard. Things will be simpler if you don't. But humans are ever curious, eh?
To understand the self is similar to understanding these words.
Are they psychotic ramblings? A pretentious pet project? Divine enlightenment?
It is whatever you take from it. You are whatever you wish to view yourself as.
It's hard to view yourself as something better. But you can.