When I first took the test, I was pleasantly suprised. Not only was I placed into the Paladin school, but I also have a very high score pointing me toward the calling. Not only is being called a Paladin an honor in and of itself, but it gave me some measure of validation, to be dubbed Paladin. I was pleasently suprised.
Do I believe in myself? An interesting question, honestly. That it is taking me so long to consider this question speaks volumes about the answer. I am confident in myself, in my abilities. I am a good swordsman, I am a good singer. I am a good poet, and I am a good person. However, I find myself questioning myself often- I also constantly seek affirmation of my achievements and goals. An example is, that when something happens that my wife truley enjoys, or she is pleased that I have done something good for her, I find myself doing my best to confirm that she is happy. Repeatedly. Honestly... I don't know how to answer the question. And as such, I'll have to default to the base answer, when there is any question. Yes, there are times when I do not believe in myself.
I am proud of the way my life is going. Everything is going well. I have married an amazing woman, I am a competant swordsman, and I help people in any way I can. I am happy with who I am, and I am amazed that things have gone as well as they have so far.
Being a Paladin has affected every facet of my life. Ever since I was about, 6 years olf, I have latched onto, and followed the code of chivalry. Since it is such a valuable, and pervasive code, It will most definitly shape and focus my life to come. Yes, being a Paladin will have a profound effect on my life. For the better.
Joining this school has been one of the more interesting points of my life. It has helped me focus my behaviour, and even grow as a person, as well as a Paladin. And since it has had such a positive difference so far, I believe it will also have a positive difference in my life. It will affect my future in a very positive way.
The best part about the way of the Paladin is the promotion of Compassion and caring.
And what have I done: I have helped my grandmother work through Multiple Sclerosis. I have helped my grandfather cope with Kidney Dialasis. I have helped my wife grow out of her shyness and into a more active and interesting world. And I have helped myself, by gaining focus of my strengths and weaknesses, and knowing that no matter what, there is no challenge I cannot overcome.
It is my honor to subit to you my Reflection. I am proud to have become a cantidate for the second circle- and I feel this reflection has helped me in many ways... I am glad to be able to share part of myself with you and the school.
