I am often asked if I could return to my life before my awakening, would I do it? I had all the luxuries: a comfy 6-figure job, a big beautiful home, and a loving fiancé; life was great.
The instant awakening traumatically destroyed life as I knew it, but given the choice to return, I would not go back because I have developed deep self-awareness from the challenges I have faced.
Self-awareness is a far greater luxury than anything ever obtained externally. It creates a deep comfort, contentment, and fulfillment that worldly goals don't produce.
Knowing ourselves intimately creates confidence that we will make it through no matter what life brings. Internal instability and anxiety subside when we have a strong connection to our authentic selves.
Looking back, I realized I had everything I dreamed of externally, but I did not know who I was internally. Life could have continued this way, reaching all of my external goals until my dying day, and what a shame that would have been.
To live and not know the depths of my soul and the treasures buried within now seems like the greatest waste of a life, no matter how successful it seems on the outside.
The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates believed that knowing ourselves gives us the key to unlocking a fulfilling and purposeful life. He famously declared that an unexamined life is not worth living.
Self-awareness goes beyond superficial knowledge; it involves deeply understanding one's emotions, thoughts, values, and motivations.
When life hits bumps in the road, divorce, death, or disease, we are jarred from our routines and catapulted to dig deeper for life's meaning. In the VULNERABILITY, we stop distracting, turn inward to heal, and find ourselves.
Thus, the gift of life's struggles. They provide upset to the flow of the status quo, and we momentarily let go of the outward goals and get in touch with our inner being. The challenges that we face give us the opportunities to about-face and look within to discover gifts, strengths, perceptions, and talents that we would miss otherwise. When life gets tough, we can retract, step back, and ask what we should learn from this. What can we do differently? How can we focus on the growth opportunity and the silver lining? How can we take response-ability and evolve beyond repetitious patterned history and programming? This way, we keep refining our consciousness and evolving. Self-awareness is not only a gift cultivated by living through hardships; we can choose to cultivate it. We find deeper connection and understanding of ourselves through introspection, meditation, breathwork, spirituality/religion, psychology, and self-mastery modalities. One of life's greatest gifts is the internal treasure hunt that leads us to self-awareness. Self-awareness is something that can never be taken from us. We can lose so many things in life that seem to bring us stability and safety. Our job security, income, health, relationships, expertise, and reputations can all shift in the blink of an eye. Our self-awareness will remain. It will help see us through hard times and deepen due to the challenges we face. Self-awareness is our connection to our inner essence, intuition, sixth sense, and gut feelings. It can connect us with our Soul Light, Angels, and Guides if we desire.
Gratitude for Self-Awareness:
Emotional Intelligence: Self-awareness forms the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. When we understand our emotions and the triggers that elicit them, we gain the power to navigate the complexities of human interactions. Gratitude for this awareness allows us to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, fostering better relationships and emotional well-being.
Personal Growth: The journey of self-awareness is a dynamic process of growth and self-discovery. Expressing gratitude for our evolving understanding of ourselves empowers us to embrace change, learn from experiences, and cultivate a mindset conducive to personal development.
Authenticity: Authenticity stems from knowing and embracing our true selves. Gratitude for self-awareness liberates us from the shackles of societal expectations, enabling us to live authentically. We foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment when we align our actions with our values and beliefs.
Mindfulness and Presence: Self-awareness anchors us in the present moment. By expressing gratitude for this ability, we enhance our mindfulness, savoring the richness of each experience. This mindful presence allows us to appreciate the beauty of life, fostering a sense of gratitude for the simple joys that often go unnoticed.
Resilience: Understanding our strengths and weaknesses equips us to navigate life's challenges with resilience. Gratitude for self-awareness transforms obstacles into opportunities for growth. The ability to adapt and learn from setbacks becomes a powerful tool on our journey toward a more fulfilling life.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Self-Awareness:
Reflection and Journaling: Set aside time for introspection. Regularly journaling your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can provide valuable insights into your inner world.
Feedback and Perspective: Seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues. Different perspectives can offer a well-rounded view of your strengths and areas for improvement.
Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises. These activities promote self-awareness by grounding you in the present moment.
Continuous Learning: Embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Read books, attend workshops, and engage in activities that encourage self-discovery.
Conclusion:
In pursuing a meaningful and fulfilling life, the journey of self-awareness is both a compass and a destination. Gratitude for the ability to know oneself is a transformative force that can elevate our existence. As we honor the ancient wisdom of "Know Thyself," let us cultivate gratitude for the profound gift of self-awareness, unlocking the doors to a life rich with authenticity, resilience, and purpose.
