You do not realize what you cannot see until you actually see it. Self-awareness, according to the oxford dictionary is conscious awareness of one’s own character and feeling.

Life is good..but why can’t it be great? We settle without giving ourselves opportunity to achieve something greater.

Sometimes, you have to be proactive in obtaining self-awareness. Other times, we have to pay attention to the small red flags that subtly let you know something isn’t right. I had lasik surgery 10 years ago. As far as I was concerned my eyesight was far better than it used to be, even if it wasn’t perfect. Sometimes we become complacent in our learning and growth because we know it’s far better than before, but we become okay with not great. Self-awareness is a continuous process. Sometimes you have to do periodic self-checks to see if you aren’t “seeing” something. I would not have known how much more clear my world would become if I had not checked my eyesight and bought new glasses. When I put my new glasses on for the first time, I immediately sat taller and was amazed at how sharp and more clear objects had become. It was like I had been seeing the world through a filtered lens; life was enhanced, but the true picture had been altered. The clarity and realization that came with my new discovery was enlightening and encouraging. Self-awareness through counseling can provide similar realizations. You may not think you need it, it may feel awkward for a bit, but eventually you will realize you are better for it. The journey to self-awareness is far more in depth than buying new eyeglasses and the journey is different for everyone. Here are a few basic suggestions to begin developing self-awareness

1. Engage in regular self-checks – look for red flags, listen to your inner voice, tune into your feelings

2. Take intentional action steps – take practical steps to apply the process of self-awareness to your daily life

3. Practice – becoming self-aware is a process and often a life-long journey

Moreover, there are benefits to self-awareness. Self-awareness allows you to gain insight into your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Self-awareness improves decision-making. Additionally, developing self-awareness promotes growth and maturity.

“Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. 2 Corinthians‬ ‭13:5‬ ‭MSG‬‬

“The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.” Proverbs‬ ‭14:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬