Hello, my dearies,
Welcome to November! Can you believe it?! Wow! That went by quickly.
How has the year been for you?
Have your relationships with lovers, friends, workmates and family improved in any way?
These people are the people that partly make us who we are. I say partly because we also hold ourselves accountable for who we have become this year.
This month, I want us to talk about love and relationships. We will discuss self-awareness as a key to thriving in your relationship.
In the journey of love and companionship, one crucial element often overlooked is self-awareness. Before thinking about pairing up, it is vital to understand ourselves fully.
What is Self-Awareness?
It involves earnestly acknowledging our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours while recognizing patterns and triggers that shape our interactions with others.
Self-awareness adds some benefits to our relationships. Investing in self-awareness reaps numerous rewards when it comes to building and nurturing healthy relationships.
A. Building a Solid Foundation: Understanding our personal needs and values equips us to choose partners who align with our fundamental beliefs, fostering a genuine connection.
B. Effective Communication: Self-awareness enables us to express our emotions and needs clearly, promoting openness, understanding, and better conflict management.
C. Conflict Resolution: Recognizing and managing our own emotions during conflicts empowers us to approach problem-solving with empathy, leading to mutually satisfactory resolutions.
D. Avoiding Codependency:
By establishing healthy boundaries, self-awareness helps us strike a balance between supporting our partners and maintaining our identities.
How can I become more self-aware:
Sharpening our self-awareness skills is an ongoing process. Here are some effective methods to nurture this crucial aspect of self-growth.
A. Self-Reflection: this can be learned through journaling, meditation, and introspection exercises, we can delve into our deepest thoughts and emotions, uncovering valuable insights.
B. Seeking Feedback: Encouraging open communication with trusted friends or family members allows for constructive feedback, providing different perspectives and aiding personal growth.
C. Mindfulness Practices: Developing present-moment awareness cultivates a deeper connection with ourselves, allowing us to understand our thoughts and feelings better as they arise.
D. Therapy or Counseling: Seeking professional guidance provides a safe space to explore underlying emotions, perspectives, and patterns, facilitating transformative self-discovery.
Tools and Resources for Self-Discovery:
Numerous tools and resources can aid us in our journey of self-discovery and self-awareness:
A. Personality Assessments: Popular assessments such as Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Enneagram, or Big Five Personality Test can offer valuable insights into our personality traits and preferences.
B. Self-Help Books and Podcasts: Engaging with recommended readings on personal growth and introspection expands our knowledge and inspires new perspectives.
Some of my favorites are
C. Therapy Apps and Online Platforms: Accessible resources like therapy apps and online platforms provide convenient avenues for self-reflection and guidance.
D. Support Groups and Workshops: Participating in support groups and workshops creates opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar journeys, offering support and encouragement.
Practical Tips
To integrate self-awareness into our everyday lives, let’s try these:
A. Self-Care Routines: Prioritizing our mental and emotional well-being through self-care practices enriches our self-awareness and enables us to show up fully in our relationships.
B. Active Listening: Practicing active listening involves paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues, fostering deeper understanding and connection with our partner.
C. Empathy: By putting ourselves in our other’s shoes, we can actively cultivate empathy, which is crucial for fostering understanding, compassion, and emotional intimacy.
D. Maintaining Open Communication: Regularly expressing emotions, discussing concerns, and embracing vulnerability paves the way for authentic connection and fosters a healthy relationship.
E. Staying curious and non-judgemental about other people’s choices. Explore rather than choose a side, ask questions rather, than make assumptions. Try a few things you find interesting and maybe a few you don’t. Go for it.
Conclusion:
Self-awareness serves as the foundation for building thriving relationships. By investing in introspection, understanding, and personal growth, we embark on a transformative journey that enriches both our individual lives and our connections with others.
Embrace the power of self-awareness and witness the profound impact it can have on your relationships. Stay tuned for more enlightening blog posts that delve further into this captivating world of relationships.
With love and self-care vibes,
Stay wholesome
Stay authentic
Be yourself and keep getting better at it.
Live wholeheartedly,
Amaka
P.S: Here is a link to our last month series on Black History and How if affects your mental health and that of your family members:
