Asa Braxton-Sammy
The Beauty of Self-Awareness
"Self-awareness fosters a sense of self-alignment, which leads to self-confidence and fulfillment."
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to get swept away by external demands and distractions, losing sight of our inner selves. However, through all the chaos lies one of the greatest tools for personal development and fulfillment of self-awareness.
Self-awareness is the guiding light to one’s authenticity. It’s the one space in the world where you don’t have to share with anyone else should you choose not to! How freaking cool!!!
The best thing about self-awareness is it encompasses two key components. First, there’s internal self-awareness, which is your self-reflection of values, strengths, weaknesses, and emotional patterns. The second component is external self-awareness. Some of you may say, if it’s “self-awareness,” how can it be external? External self-awareness: understanding how we’re perceived by others and recognizing the impact our behavior has on others. The beauty of this is that combined they provide a holistic view and understanding of oneself and their interactions with the rest of the world!
There are so many benefits to being self-aware. One is it provides you with greater emotional intelligence. This allows an opportunity to approach your interactions with others with empathy and compassion at the forefront. You’re able to understand their emotions simply because you understand your own! In my opinion, the main benefit of self-awareness is authenticity! While being authentic seems like a rarity to most, it is, by far, one of the best attributes anyone can have. Waking up daily, looking into a mirror, and loving all of you is a rich space. One could ever be in!
Think about it. When you’re self-aware, there’s nothing anyone can say about you that’s shocking! Even if it’s a characteristic you’re working to get better the one thing it’s not is a secret! If you receive constructive criticism about something that you know is a work in progress, is it criticism? No, it’s more like an acknowledgment. Self-awareness fosters a sense of self-alignment, which leads to self-confidence and fulfillment. It eradicates the need for validation from others.
Being self-aware also comes with some challenges. In today’s world, vastly controlled by social media, so many people run from their imperfections or cover them up with their image. Those who don’t subscribe to that way of life are considered: “weird, extra, or annoying.” A lot of people are just not willing to address harsh truths about themselves. Some of them live in a fantasy world, and they think if no one else says anything, there isn’t a problem, or they’re not at fault. Those self-aware and honest about their faults or flaws are sometimes viewed as “goody-two-shoes.”
Often, that creates a secret battle of people working extra hard to point out their flaws or prove them wrong. The misconception is the world thinks that self-aware individuals have a problem with being wrong, but they don’t. Again, pointing out their faults or flaws is just an acknowledgment of something already known. When you’re self-aware, hearing that you made a mistake or hurt someone motivates you to work harder at being better, and there’s no better feeling than being better! (PUN INTENDED)
Being self-aware is also one of the greatest tools for leadership! When you’re self-aware, you inspire trust, which fosters collaboration, communication, and mutual respect. You’re also able to build, create, and strengthen bonds! One thing that will always bring two individuals closer is the ability to say, “You’re right, I was wrong, I sincerely apologize.” When you embody authenticity & vulnerability, the bonds in your life are solid, and most likely, you organically catalyze many groups and circles. Other people naturally feel comfortable in your realm!
Self-awareness is truly the path to internal freedom! It takes a lot of courage. You must work daily on checking your ego at the door! It’s hard work and tough days! It’s showing up and believing tomorrow will be better than today. However, the beauty is that you work on it with yourself and mostly on your terms. It is a transformative power that is infectious to everyone and everything in your life and all created by you
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