Psychological maturity

Recognizing one's feelings and acting accordingly is commonly associated with psychological maturity and health. However, small children unconsciously follow their every emotion, acting and reacting accordingly. No one aspires to behave like a two year old for the rest of his life. The truly psychologically and emotionally mature person realizes the difference between what he feels and what he believes, what he wants and what he needs, what is transient and what is permanent, and between what is selfish and what is selfless. Thus, he is able to make difficult decisions, place others' needs ahead of his own, and do what is right, regardless of the consequences. By doing this, he is able to remain true, not necessarily to his changing feelings, but to the constant essence of who he is.