Before I start, I would like to mention that there are a lot of Terms that have similar meanings as “self-awareness.” In most cases, I’ll use the term “self-awareness” in that post for simplicity.
The similar terms are:
Self-understanding
Self-consciousness
Self-reflection
Self-knowledge
Self-perception
Self-realization
Introspection
Self-examination
Self-insight
Self-cognition
Self-discovery
and more…
Self-awareness
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Self-awareness is recognizing and understanding one’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. It involves being conscious of oneself as a separate individual with unique qualities.
Self-awareness allows individuals to reflect on their actions and beliefs, consider how they impact themselves and others, and make informed decisions aligned
with their values and goals.
Self-awareness is fundamental to personal growth, emotional intelligence,
and self-improvement.
There is a children’s book named “The Lion Who Loved Strawberries.”
It’s a funny story, but Lions can’t choose their behavior or what they’ll eat for supper; why?
Because animals operate according to their instinct – for better survival.
The difference between humans and animals is the ability to choose differently – the freedom of choice.
Humans possess the exact instinct mechanism that the rest of animals do, which helps us in an emergency. In addition, humans can choose.
When we face a situation in life, we can choose to stop, Think, We select the best option for ourselves and then act or not – this is freedom of choice;
that is how self-awareness comes into play.
On the other hand, when a person reacts from his instinct in an autopilot manner, he reacts without self-awareness – which can lead to disaster.
Unfortunately, many people handle their life that way.
Self-awareness is a kind of knowledge that no one can teach you.
It is an Internal observation of the way you think or act.
If, for example, a person notices that he gets angry every time a driver behind him honks, he is aware of this. There is still no change at this step, but this awareness can be the starting point for change.
Self-awareness is alertness to the way you think and act.
Self-awareness is the primary step for change.
Without self-awareness, there will be no change.
Self-awareness alone does not create change.
Why self-awareness is essential for you?
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Self-awareness includes a multifaceted understanding of your thoughts, feelings, desires, and motivations. This capacity for introspection allows you to reflect on past experiences, anticipate future outcomes, and make informed decisions based on this self-knowledge.
Cultivating self-awareness is considered a valuable skill for personal growth.
By becoming more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, you can gain insights into your strengths and weaknesses, improve your relationships with others, and make more authentic choices that align with your values and aspirations.
Short story about Mary
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Let me tell you about Mary and the mysterious book she found.
By the end of the story, you should better understand self-awareness.
Once upon a time, a young woman named Mary lived in a small town surrounded by green hills and whispering forests. Mary was like any other person in her neighborhood, going about her daily routines with little thought beyond the tasks.
She worked in the local bakery, kneading dough and baking bread with practiced hands, but her mind often wandered elsewhere, lost in the monotony of her days.
One day, as Mary was walking home from work, she stumbled upon an old book lying forgotten on an old chair in the town square.
Mary felt a sudden, unusual sensation. Deep inside, she felt the book was some old lost friend waiting to be found all those years.
Without hesitation, she picked it up and dusted off the cover, revealing the title: “The Journey Within – A Guide to Self-Discovery.” Intrigued, Mary tucked the book into her bag and hurried home.
That night, by the warm glow of candlelight, Mary delved into the book’s pages.
As she read, she discovered the concept of self-awareness – the idea of understanding oneself deeply, beyond the surface level.
She learned that self-awareness wasn’t just about knowing her likes and dislikes;
it was a deeper understanding of her thoughts, emotions, and motivations.
Intrigued by the idea, Mary embarked on her journey of self-discovery.
She began by setting aside time daily for introspection, reflecting on her experiences, desires, and fears. Slowly but steadily, she peeled back the layers of her identity, confronting parts of herself she had long ignored or suppressed.
As Mary delved deeper into her inner world, she underwent a profound transformation. She became more attuned to her emotions, learning to acknowledge and accept them rather than burying them beneath a facade of indifference. She gained insight into her strengths and weaknesses, embracing her quirks and imperfections as integral parts of her identity.
With newfound clarity came a sense of purpose and direction. Mary discovered passions she never knew she had, enthusiastically exploring new hobbies and interests. She also became more empathetic and understanding toward others, recognizing that everyone was on their journey of self-discovery.
Mary’s newfound self-awareness permeated every aspect of her life as months passed. She found joy in the simple pleasures of each day, savored the beauty of the world around her, and forged more profound connections with those she loved.
Her once mundane existence blossomed into a rich tapestry of experiences and growth.
One day, as Mary sat in the same town square where her journey had begun, she marveled at how far she had come. The old book that had sparked her transformation lay open beside her, its pages worn but its wisdom timeless. With a grateful heart, Mary closed her eyes and whispered a silent thank you to the universe for guiding her toward self-awareness and, in doing so, changing her life forever.
I hope you found this post interesting and useful for you.
Soon, I’ll add more posts to the blog.
Meanwhile, you can download my free e-book – The Unusual Journey
Lot of love
