When you read a grand statement like:
Awareness is the foundation for change.
it might make you think, cool--what does that even mean?
In order to create change in your life, you have to be aware of what’s happening in your life. Not only around you, but inside you as well.
Awareness of what’s inside you encompasses your belief system, your values, your thoughts and feelings, and your emotional response--just to name a few.
If you were to sit down right now, how much of your belief system and values could you explain?
Next time you’re in a bad mood, how much could you say about the thoughts you’re having, what you’re feeling, and how your actions relate to those things?
Many of us go through life so quickly that we don’t notice these small things that are always around us and are always influencing us.
So, what do you do?
I get in rotten moods sometimes. It happens. I’m lucky--sometimes during these rotten moods, my husband asks what he can do to help.
But, I usually say that I don’t know. I don’t know what’s bothering me. I don’t know what will help me not be bothered anymore.
What’s going on in my head?
I’m ignoring it--hoping that will make the shitty mood go away.
Does that work? Nope.
Instead I’m just rotten to the most important people in my life until I magically get my needs met and can continue being my typical self again.
Not the best strategy.
Why do I do this? Why do so many people do this?
Because going inside, if you’re not used to it, is really HARD.
It’s hard being honest with yourself about what you are thinking and feeling--about what you need--if you aren’t used to doing it.
I’m fine.
No. You’re not. And that’s OK. Let’s figure out why not and what we can do! From there, if you choose to continue to be in a foul mood, that’s on you. That is a choice. But let’s figure out why first instead of hoping for a magical solution to cure your bad mood.
How can you start developing your self-awareness? You begin to notice.
Ask yourself the tough questions about what you believe.
How do you find your values?
Find out what makes you mad! You’ll know what you value when it’s been crossed.
When you’re in a rotten mood, stop and ask yourself:
What is my body feeling right now?
What emotions am I feeling?
What thoughts am I having?
Do this ^ when you’re in a good mood too.
Start to have those conversations with yourself. Be HONEST with yourself. You’ll begin to increase your awareness.
Now--how is this the foundation for change?
When you know these things about yourself, you can challenge them.
You can set boundaries around your values so they won’t be compromised.
You can challenge your thoughts when you’re in a bad mood.
You can ask for what you need (or give yourself what you need) because you’ll ACTUALLY KNOW what it is you need.
(Had to do the all caps there because that was my [is my] huge mountain to climb.)
Are you ready to do more?
Let me know.
I can help.
