I begin these lines with the universal dilemma: Which came first, the chicken or the egg? This question makes us think about the origin or cause and the effect or result. However, if we look at this from a scientific perspective, the answer would be that the egg came first.

In that sense, regarding the question posed in this article: What comes first, self-knowledge or inner peace? I believe most would answer that self-knowledge is the origin or cause, and that inner peace is the effect or result. And indeed, both components, when properly cultivated, will result in a better human being in all aspects of life—personal, familial, social, and professional.

In this regard, I want to share that I recently spent a week in Buenos Aires. I had some family-related legal matters to attend to in the capital, and I also planned to visit my two eldest daughters. However, knowing myself—I’m a stickler for order and easily lose my temper—and wanting to avoid encroaching on their small living spaces and causing any inconvenience, I decided to stay in a small hotel near them, in the province of Buenos Aires.

However, just 24 hours after my arrival, a miscommunication between my eldest daughter and me led to a disagreement that resulted in me having dinner alone and feeling annoyed. Later, she met me at the restaurant to return the car so I could take care of the remaining errands in the Argentine capital over the next few days. I should mention that we made up that same night, thanks to my daughter’s initiative (she taught me and reminded me what true humility means).

In the days following my return to Colombia, we shared several pre-arranged activities, such as dinner; on Saturday we had a barbecue; and we went to the theater to see a musical called “Dad Forever.” We also attended Sunday Mass together at a different parish than the one he attends. And finally, we said goodbye until our next trip.

Therefore, I share with you some personal lessons that may be useful to you, so that you do not make the same mistakes, whether at a family, friendship or work level.

1. Never stop learning to better manage your emotions; remember: practice makes perfect.
2. If you know your weaknesses, share them with empathy and your personal relationships will improve overall.
3. Seek honest feedback from everyone around you, and do so consistently. You may think you’ve improved in some areas, but that may not be the case.
4. Take some time to be alone, without any distractions, whether it be cell phone, television or similar.
5. Be aware that there will always be problems or difficulties; don’t focus on them, but on how to solve them (my wife always tells me that).
6. Experience that feeling of tranquility or well-being more often by giving time and listening, as well as by giving thanks for it.
7. Finally, self-knowledge and inner peace are a permanent personal pairing and form a virtuous circle that feeds off each other.

To conclude, I’d like to share a quote with a slight modification: “The most precious thing after health is inner peace.” This quote is attributed to the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.

So let us continue the struggle to get to know ourselves better each day and achieve that inner peace, so we can radiate light in this world that has much darkness.

Don’t stop, keep going, keep rowing against the current and out to sea!