The Power of Self-Awareness in Self-Care by Coach Anjalon Wimbush

If you have ever came to the epiphany that something really doesn't sit right with you anymore or that you really do enjoy something that you didn't notice in the past, then you may be embarking on the experience of Self-Awareness. According to Oxford Languages, self-awareness is the conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires.

FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE

When I needed to make a life shift and start over, I had to develop my self-awareness. My identity had solely relied on the roles I previously held in life. That was how I defined myself. I wanted to portray the best version of those roles and meanwhile, lost who I truly was and who I was becoming. Once I decided to "shift", I started noticing that I no longer liked the same things anymore. What used to motivate me was no longer a factor. What I was interested in doing was no longer my speed. The people I used to be attracted to were no longer floating my boat. Hopefully you get my point. I had evolved from the person I was and I was at a crossroads at "becoming". However, I didn't know what I wanted... It wasn't until I started diving deep into my journaling practice and laid it all out, because I am a visual learner this was helpful for me. I had to see in different areas of my life, what DID I like and want?

THE ROLE OF SELF-AWARENESS IN SELF-CARE

Learning about self-awareness was essential to improving your self-care. Self-awareness is the foundation for making intentional choices in your life. Being intentional and aware are crucial for practicing self-care that is effective and nourishing. The micro habits that you form can act as foundational pieces of your every day self-care routine. They can create a sense of stability and peace that you may need on rough days that will surely come.

Understanding yourself is hands down the first step to developing self-awareness. Who are you? What do you like? What don't you like? Why do you feel that way? What happened to you that led you to that decision? What do you need? How does something make you feel? etc. These questions can help you to investigate and get curious about developing more self-knowledge as a companion to self-care practices. If you know that leaving unread messages on red bothers you, then you will seek a solution for that. If you get too many personal phone calls while you are working, you will seek a way to manage that. The micro habits truly add up to make a big difference, but you have to be aware of the issues that are affecting you in order to realize where to start.

Be able to recognize what it is that you want to do differently. Explore your options and determine which options would best fit your needs. When you know the source, you can address it. Consider the impact that different situations and stressors have on your mental state, your physical health, and your emotional well-being. Are you satisfied with how things are going right now? If not, why? What is the trigger to your dissatisfaction? Is it something within your control? If so, what can you do about it (your options)? If not within your control, refocus on what you can control- your response to it, your involvement with it, your time, etc.

In addition, consider setting boundaries within a situation. Remaining in toxic or stressful environments is detrimental to your overall well-being. The longer you stay, the more negatively you are affected. For example, if you have difficulty getting along with your significant other's family but there is a family event approaching, then set your boundaries (i.e. I will let my SO know when I start to get uncomfortable and that I am ready to leave.) Prioritizing your well-being is a form of self-care. Being aware of how you are impacted is self-awareness. The two go hand in hand. Understanding what makes you uncomfortable or what is unhealthy for you empowers you to make choices that are more supportive for you, therefore building self-trust and exercising radical self-care.

If you find yourself struggling with developing your self-awareness amidst life transitions and shifts, reach out to me (or another professional). As a Self-Care Coach, I can help support you by facilitating your self-care journey through self-awareness and therapeutic exercises. Let's work together, click here to set up a time to chat. How can I support you?

Coach Anjalon Wimbush is a social worker by trade and passionate about helping others on their self-care journey.