Are you aware?

We have touched upon it before, but self awareness has been a topic that not many want to address. It's scary to take a serious look into who you are, what triggers you, what brings you the utmost joy, and what you need to adjust because it's not working with the rest of your world. It's hard, because it's a journey that you need to take alone - no one can tell you what you need to address to make the positive changes - they aren't you. YOU know what YOU need to do in order to make changes, it just comes down to biting the bullet and doing it. 

I get it - it's freaking terrifying. Sitting alone with yourself, a journal, a pen, and your thoughts - super scary regardless if you've done it a hundred times, or never. 

Some helpful hints for you to get started (or restart if you need the reset!):

• What has happened in my life that prevents me from accepting positivity and happiness in my heart? 
• When did this happen? 
• Why did it happen?
• What can I change that will allow positivity and TRUE happiness to flow from me into my daily actions?
• What do I want from life? 
• Where do I want to be in a year? 3 years? 5 years?
• What are my weaknesses? How do they interrupt my life? How can I improve upon them?

These questions are very similar to any self love journey questions - but these are just a few to get you to dive deeper and pull up what you truly need to address. 

While on my social media hiatus earlier this month, I took some time to truly dive into what was causing negative energy to enter my life, what I needed to do to change it, and how I was projecting it into the atmosphere. Long story short, I found that I relied heavily on being accepted by everyone and if I wasn't, I tried to find ways I could be - which lead to sabotaging what I have been trying to rebuild in myself for the last 6 months! I was undoing all the hard work I had done, which is partially what forced me back to the 7 questions above. 

I became aware of the fact that I was looking for acceptance in places that no longer served my big picture. I was finding myself drifting back into bad habits to try and fit back into the groups I used to be a part of. I was reaching back to behaviors I had previously that were no longer adding value to my world. And I had to stop. It's hard breaking old habits, and it's even harder letting people you've known for most of your life go.

Making sure we have an understanding of who we are, gives us the upper hand when it comes to life choices, life plans, and how we expel our energy into the world. Being self aware brings all of your unique qualities to light, and allows you to capitalize on them - how amazing is that?! Being self aware also allows us to feel more empowered to make changes in our lives for a better future. If you were in touch with your true self, imagine the possibilities you'd present yourself! 

Being aware of your weaknesses as well as your strengths, personality, and desires also helps you grow into an amazing version of yourself. If you are more aware of what breaks you down, what distracts you from your daily routine, what you can't say no to - you are less likely to partake in it and more likely to focus on improving. There is nothing wrong with having weaknesses. Let me repeat: THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH HAVING WEAKNESSES. Weaknesses are a part of our genetic makeup, and keep us on alert. Do not beat yourself up for your weaknesses - instead, use them as stepping stones and motivation to find positives in your world.

I know you can do this - and I know how scary it is. I challenge you to set some time aside a few nights in the coming week and answer the questions above for yourself. If you take one question a night, and dedicate 20-30 minutes really delving into each one, I bet you'll start to notice some changes happening.     

BONUS CHALLENGE:


If you want to dig deeper, try these - and be HONEST with yourself. This is a personal journey and the only way you'll improve is if you are honest with yourself! 

1. How do you currently feel about yourself?
2. Do you engage in activities to escape your reality?
3. What do you think you could never, ever give up?
4. Do you believe every thought you think?
5. Who (or what) always makes you laugh?
6. Was there a turning point in your life?
7. How do you spend the majority of your time?
8. Do you feel inspired by someone or something?
9. Are you good at being in the present moment?
10. What was the last thing you purchased?
11. Do you often remember your dreams when you wake?
12. What’s on your to-do list that never gets done?
13. Would you move to another country?
14. How would your best friend describe you?
15. Do you consider your childhood a happy one?
16. When did you last feel disappointed?
17. Do you have any (or many) guilty pleasures?
18. How do you feel when faced with change?
19. What do you think happens when you die?
20. Do you believe in giving second chances?
21. What is your greatest strength?
22. Do you always say what’s on your mind?
23. How do you cope with stress?
24. What would you tell your younger self?
25. How often do you learn new things?
26. Do you enjoy spending time with others?
27. What is your favorite time of day?
28. How often do you ask others for help?
29. What is your biggest weakness?
30. Are you good at establishing boundaries?
31. What’s the best day you’ve had so far?
32. Do you frequently make wishes?
33. What would your ideal career consist of?
34. Where is your favorite place to be?
35. Do you say “yes” or “no” more often?
36. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
37. How open are you with others?
38. What is currently worrying you?
39. Do you enjoy spending time alone?
40. Which sense do you use the most?
41. How would you define the meaning of life?
42. What questions are you asked often?
43. When was the last time you made a change?
44. Do you enjoy talking about yourself?
45. What does the word “birthday” connote?
46. Who do you call when you’re upset?
47. How often do you procrastinate?
48. Do you believe people can really change?
49. What three words best describe you?
50. When did you last see the sun rise?
51. Do you think time heals all wounds?
52. What is your relationship with technology?
53. Are you good at letting things go?
54. Do you prefer morning, afternoon, or night?
55. What are you currently working on?
56. Are you attracted to a specific type of person?
57. Would you like to live in a different decade?
58. What do you enjoy about adulthood?
59. Do you think you have a big imagination?
60. What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken?
61. Could you live without the internet?
62. Why do you get out of bed each day?
63. When did you last make a new friend?
64. Do you think your ego gets in the way?
65. What’s the strangest thing you’ve experienced?
66. How would you describe your personal style?
67. What do you like/dislike about your gender?
68. Do you have difficulty sleeping?
69. What do you want to learn more about?
70. Can you accept compliments easily?
71. What can you do really, really well?
72. Are you living your life for yourself?
73. What would you like to be remembered for?
74. Do you feel connected to your culture?
75. What does the word “self-love” mean to you?